Day: May 26, 2024

Sankhuwasabha correspondent of Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) Bhabin Karki has won the 'Sankhuwasabha Sports Journalism Award' for the year 2081. The District Football Association awarded him with the prize carrying a purse of Rs 20,000 on Saturday. On the occasion, President of the District Football Association, Bharat Kumar Ghimire, said that Karki was awarded for his contribution in the development of sports sector in the district. He presented a certificate of appreciation and the cash to journalist Karki. Karki has been active in the journalism sector for more than a decade. Source: National News Agency Nepal

A severe cyclone called 'Remal' started crossing coastal regions of Bangladesh packing winds up to 120 kilometres per hour tonight while authorities managed to evacuate over 800,000 people to safety. "The cyclone has made the landfall and started crossing our Khepupara alongside India's West Bengal coasts," a met office spokesman told BSS. He added that the storm approached from Bangladesh's southwestern coastlines and West Bengal's Sagar Island and was proceeding towards northern direction and was "likely to cross the coastlines in next five to seven hours". Police said a heavily laden ferry carrying more than 50 passengers, double its capacity sank near Mongla Port, the path of the storm as people were fleeing to safety but the people were rescued some with wounds. Red Crescent volunteers joined hands with government officials, police and fire service to alert and motivate people to move to safe shelters. According to Bangladesh Meteorology Department (BMD), Remal is expected to reach maximum wind speed s of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 mph), with gusts up to 135 kph (85 mph) hitting West Bengal's Sagar Island and Bangladesh's Khepupara region tonight. The BMD, however, recorded so far maximum wind speeds of 90 kilometres (56 miles) per hour but feared the wind speed might pick up more pace. "The storm alongside the high tide turned terrifying," a district administration official in charge of a makeshift control room in Patuakhali told BSS by phone. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman today said over eight lakh people were evacuated to cyclone centres and other safer places to protect them from the cyclone. "We have taken all necessary measures on an urgent basis to tackle the severe cyclonic storm . . . all relevant organizations have been asked to work in a coordinated manner to face the cyclone," he made the comments at a press briefing held at his ministry here. He said the authorities today launched an intensified evacuation campaign to take all vulnerable people to safety as the met office asked Payra and Mongla ports to hoist great danger signal no 10 while it issued nine for Cox's Bazar and Chattogram ports this morning. "Alongside evacuation of the people, domestic animals have been taken to designated cyclone shelters," Director General of Department of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman told BSS. "A total of 8,464 cyclone shelters, including Mujib Kella, were kept ready to provide refuge to the people living in 19 costal districts," he said adding Sufficient amount of food have been stocked for the people living in the cyclone centres alongside the people of 19 coastal districts. He said all upazila and district administrations have adequate amount of cash to provide prompt response to the people who will be affected by the cyclone. "We have also kept ready 1,185 medical teams to offer urgent healthcare supports to the people as cyclone Remal may hit the costal belts of Bangladesh with massive strength," the disaster management chief said. The Disaster Managem ent and Relief Ministry sources said a total of 78,000 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) have been kept ready to deal with cyclone 'Remal' in the coastal district. It added some 8,600 Red Crescent volunteers and others joined a campaign asking people at risk to move to safety alongside the government officials while the district administration mobilized transport to carry them to the cyclone shelters. Senior BMD meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik shortly before the landfall said the cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to 12 feet (four metres) above normal astronomical tide. He said the high tide was "dangerous" for human lives and vulnerable infrastructures as low-lying deltaic Bangladesh coasts are just one or two metres above sea level and high storm surges can devastate villages. Meteorologists earlier warned the severe storm could uproot trees and cause major damage to thatched homes and disrupt power and communication systems. The BMD overnight issued the "great danger signal" no 10 in a scale of 10 for southwestern greater Barishal and its shoals and "great danger signal" no nine for the southeastern coastlines including the port city of Chattogram. The coast crossing severe cyclonic storm Remal over northwest Bay and adjoining area moved slightly northwards and still crossing the West-Bangal and Khepupara coast near Southwest Mongla. The severe cyclonic storm may complete crossing the coast by next three to four hours, a latest weather bulletin of the BMD said. Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 kph in gusts/squalls. Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no 10. Coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal ten. Maritime port of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no nine. The coastal district of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no nine. River ports of the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar have been advised to lower riverine danger signal no three but instead hoist riverine great danger signal no four. Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 08-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide. Under the influence of the cyclone Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram And Sylhet divisions are likely to be experienced of heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (289 mm) with gusty/squally wind due to very heavy rainfall. Landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Chattogram. All fishing boats and trawllers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice. Cyclone-prone Bangladesh designed most schools in coastal regions as cyclone shelters alongside constructing dedicated structures to enable people to take refuge during surges and many of these multi-storey facilities have space for sheltering cattle as well. Bangladeshi authorities suspended loading and unloading in the country's largest main seaport in Chattogram and moved more than a dozen ships from the jetties to the deep sea as a precaution alongside suspending airport operations in coastlines. Ramel is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal ahead of this year's monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) today asked the Payra and Mongla maritime ports to hoist great danger signal number 10 while it issued nine for Cox's Bazar and Chattogram ports. "The cyclonic storm 'Remal' is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Sagar island of WestBengal-Khepupara coast near Mongla by evening or midnight today", according to a latest cyclone warning bulletin issued by the met office this morning. The cyclonic storm 'Remal' over north-west Bay and adjoining area moved to northwards, intensified into severe cyclonic storm over the same area, it said. The storm was about 400kms southwest of Chattogram port, 360kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 330 kms south of Mongla port and 295 kms south of Payra port at 6am today, it added. Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone, rain with gust wind has started over coastal regions of Bangladesh. Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclonic center is about 90 kph, rising to 120 kph in gust or s qualls. Sea will remain high near the severe cyclone center. The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no ten. The coastal district of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great signal no nine. Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 8-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide. Under the influence of the cyclone Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to be experienced of heavy (44-88mm) to v ery heavy rainfall (more89mm) with gusty or squally wind. Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at place over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram. All fishing boats and the trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Awami Swechchhasebak League (ASL) central committee today directed its leaders and activists to help the affected people of cyclonic storm Remal. Swechchhasebak League President Gazi Mesbahul Hossain Sachu and its acting general secretary Khairul Hasan Jewel urged them through a statement. They said the ASL leaders and activists will stay beside the affected people of cyclonic storm Remal following the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Swechchhasebak League has formed district based monitoring teams to stand by the affected people. The team members are ASL vice-presidents Syed Nasir Uddin(Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat) and Dr. Md. Zamir Uddin Sikder(Chattogram and Cox's Bazar) and organizing secretary Abid Ali Hassan(Barguna, Patuakhali and Bhola. ASL relief and disaster management secretary Shofiqul Islam Shofiq and deputy relief and disaster management secretary Murtaja Haider Shorif will coordinate with the leaders. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at most places over the eight divisions with heavy to very heavy falls at places over Southern part of the country. "Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at most places over Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions with heavy to very heavy falls at places over Southern part of the country", said a met office forecast for the next 24 hours begins from 9amtoday. The Deep Depression over West-central Bay and adjoining area moved Northwards intensified into a Cyclonic storm "REMAL" first and then into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over Northwest Bay and adjoining area and was centred at 06 am today. It is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross sagar island (West Bengal)-Khepupara coast near Mongla by evening or mid night of 26 May 2024. Under the peripheral effect of the severe Cyclone rain with gusty wind has started over coastal regions of Bangladesh. The met office added : Mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and it may abate. Day temperature may fall by (1-3) °C and night temperature may fall slightly over the country. Maximum temperature on Saturday was recorded 41.7 degree Celsius at Chuadanga and minimum temperature today was recorded 23.6 degree Celsius at Bandarban. Maximum rainfall for the last 24 hours till 6am today was recorded 42 millimeters (mm) at Hatiya. The sun sets today at 06:40 pm and rises tomorrow at 05:12 am in the capital. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A court here today ordered to attach more properties of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, his wife Jissan Mirza, and their three daughters. The properties, which have been ordered to be attached are- properties including four flats in Dhaka, bought under 119 deeds, four 100 percent owned companies, 15 partially owned companies. The court also ordered to freeze four BO accounts. Confirming the matter to BSS, public prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir said the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain passed the order, allowing a plea filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The same court on May 23 had ordered to freeze 33 bank accounts and attach properties under total 83 deeds of Benazir and his family. Accusing the former IGP of amassing illegal wealth of Taka hundreds of crores under his and his family members' names both at home and abroad, the anti-graft body in its plea on that day had said the accused are trying to sell or hand over the prop erties and launder the money abroad and if they succeed in doing so, the state would incur a huge loss. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in its latest bulletin asked maritime ports of Payra and Mongla to keep hoisted danger signal number seven while it issued six for Chattogram and Cox's Bazar. The Met Office issued the signal number seven and six as deep depression has developed cyclone "Remal" over the Bay of Bengal that may hit Bangladesh by today evening. "The cyclonic storm 'Remal' is likely to hit southern districts of Bangladesh today," Tariful Newaz Kabir, meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) told BSS. "Under the influence of cyclone, Bangladesh, particularly its southern and southeastern regions may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall," Director General of Department of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman said Referring to the data of the Met Office, he said as large size of radius of the cyclone has been developed and significant rainfall may occur in 19 costal districts side by side central parts of the country. As the cyclonic storm is approaching towards the co astal regions of Bangladesh, much of southern parts may witness rainfall from tonight, Mizanur added. He said the government has taken all necessary preparations to handle any destructive situation caused by the cyclone. The DG also said the authorities already directed all relevant organizations alongside involving 78,000 volunteers for launching massive evacuation drive to shift vulnerable populations to safer places. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal number three lowering distant cautionary signal number in the wake of the deep depression over the North Bay, a special weather bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said yesterday. The deep depression over East central bay and adjoining west central bay moved northwards over the same area (near lat: 18.2on, lon: 89.8oe) and was centered at 12 noon yesterday about 500 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 435 kms southwest of Cox's Bazer port, 475 kms south of Mongla port and 425 kms south of Payra port, it added. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately. The deep depression over eastcentral Bay of Bengal moved nearly northwards with a speed of 11 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 12noon of 25th may, 2024 over the same region near latitude 18.2on and longitude 89.7oe, about 420 km south of Khepupara, about 420 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal) and 460 km south-southeast of canning ( West Bengal), according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). It is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm over Eastcentral and adjoining north bay of Bengal around May 25 evening. Continuing to move further northwards. It would intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by 26th may morning and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara by May 26 midnight as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed of 110-1 2 0 gusting to 135 kmph. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The activities of Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport will remain closed till 5:30 am on Monday in view of cyclone Remal. All operational activities of this airport have been suspended from 12 noon today to avoid possible damage by the cyclone. The time will further extend if the situation does not improve, said Chattogram Airport Director, Group Captain Taslim Ahmed. The decision comes in response to the issuance of danger signal number 9 by the Meteorological Department, prompting authorities to prioritize the safety of passengers and personnel. Taslim Ahmed said, "There were eight domestic and five international flights throughout the day, including one Hajj flight. The flight schedule will be made later considering the weather conditions. He said, "We have taken maximum precautionary measures in the security of the airport. ' It should be noted that this airport, located near the Patenga coast of the Bay of Bengal, suffered extensive damage in the catastrophic cyclone of 1991. Source: Ban gladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina today reiterated her firm determination to execute the court verdict after bringing back convicted Tarique Zia from London. "Now only task is to bring back the black sheep (Tarique Zia). We will bring the convicted accused of 10-truck arms haul case, 21st August, 2004 grenade attack and champion in corruption from wherever he stays and execute the sentences," she said. "We have already held discussion with the British government so that they repatriate the fugitive convict to us to execute his conviction," she added. The Prime Minister said this while exchanging greetings with newly elected upazila chairman and vice-chairman of Kotalipara Upazila of Gopalganj district at her official Ganabhaban residence here. Sheikh Hasina said the people of the country do not want to see the militants and arsonists in power again. "If the punishment of the black sheep (Tarique Zia) is executed, the countrymen will get free from the grips of the militants and arsonists," she said. Referring to arson attacks in the country in 2013, 2014 and 2015, she said recurrence of such heinous acts will be stopped. She said she will ensure peace and security of the countrymen with execution of the court verdicts against Tarique and fugitive convicted killers of the Father of the Nation after bringing them back to the country. "My target is to ensure economic freedom and continued journey towards prosperity alongside ensuring peace and security. We are working to attain the goal," she said. The AL President asked the party leaders and activists to give a befitting reply to those who want to misguide the people. The Prime Minister said she can work for the prosperity of the country due to help of the people of her constituency comprising Tungipara and Kotalipara. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Grameen Bank has submitted an allegation to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against founder of the bank Dr Muhammad Yunus for his involvement in graft and irregularities during his tenure at the bank. A report of a high-level review committee of Bank and Financial Institute Division under the Finance Ministry and a comprehensive audit report (1983 to 2023) of an audit firm enlisted by Bangladesh Bank found various documentary evidences of massive corruption in providing loan, credit waiver and work permits to Packages Corporation Limited (PCL). Packages Corporation Limited (PCL), a business entity of Dr Yunus and his family located in Chattogram, a Grameen Bank press release signed by incumbent Managing Director of the Bank Nur Mohammad said here today. During his tenure as Managing Director of the bank, Muhammad Yunus provided various illegal privileges for his family printing press PCL since 1990 violating laws and misusing his power aiming to gain personal and family interest, it said. The graft a llegation has been submitted to the ACC against Dr Yunus as per the opinion of legal advisors and the decision of Grammeen Bank's governing body, it added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has announced a holiday for three days in the schools there due to excessive heat there. The maximum temperature in Nepalgunj has crossed 42 degree Celsius. Classes have been suspended for three days in entire schools in the sub-metropolitan city after the excessive heat and heat wave, Under Secretary of Education, Youths and Sports Division of the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Gorkha Bahadur Thapa. He said that the holiday will start on Wednesday and end on Friday. There is a nationwide public holiday on Tuesday on the occasion of the Republic Day. The students will appear at schools on June 2 taking a five-day-long break including the holidays of Republic Day and Saturday. Normal life in the Banke district has been severely affected due to excessive heat lately. Source: National News Agency Nepal

The third meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) was held at the Sangsad Bhaban here today. Committee Chairman Kazi Keramat Ali chaired the meeting while it's members State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Md Shafiqur Rahman, Ali Azam, Abul Kalam Md Ahsanul Haque Chowdhury and Abdus Salam attended it, said a press release. The meeting revised the progress in the implementation of the decisions taken in the second meeting. The parliamentary watchdog gave necessary instructions to the ministry to give priority to the recommendations of the Members of Parliament (MPs) in the appointment of district correspondents of Bangladesh Television (BTV). It recommended the ministry to send letters to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) offices to inquire about the correspondents of BTV and provide cameras to them. The committee reviewed the ongoing activities of Bangladesh Betar in detail a nd gave instructions for broadcasting good quality programmes. At the onset of the meeting, the JS body paid glowing tributes to the great architect of independent Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his wife Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib and all the martyrs of August 15 in 1975, and the martyrs of all democratic movements, including the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha