Day: May 27, 2024

DHAKA, Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower cautionary signals as cyclonic storm Remal crossed the coastal areas. The severe cyclonic storm "Remal" has weakened into a deep land depression while moving northwards, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department in its 19th special bulletin today. According to the bulletin, the storm moved northwards from Koyra, Khulna before weakening into a cyclonic storm and then weakening even further over Jashore and the adjoining area. It is likely to move northeastwards further and weaken into a land depression by giving precipitation gradually. Maritime ports were advised to lower danger signal number 10 but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three (r) three. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till tomorrow morning (May 28) and then proceed with caution. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

RAJSHAHI, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) is intended to infuse dynamism into its community policing aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility everywhere in the society through combating all sorts of crimes. Strengthening and proper activation of community policing can be the crucial means of controlling juvenile gangs and their crimes together with updating the information related to student's residences. RMP Commissioner Biplob Bijoy Talukder came up with the observation while presiding over the meeting with leaders of community policing in the city at his office conference hall here today. Prof Abdul Khaleque, Convener of City Community Policing, and RMP Additional Commissioners Rashidul Hassan and Hemayetul Islam, among others, were present at the meeting. Illustrating the multifarious aspects of expediting and expanding community policing, the discussants attributed that community policing can be the best way of freeing society from all sorts of crimes with joint efforts of police and the public in general. "Actually, we will do the work for the betterment of the society. We will not see any more juvenile gangs," commented RMP Commissioner Biplob Bijoy Talukder. Prof Abdul Khaleque said the community should extend cooperation to police by providing specific information about the criminals. Crime-free societies, particularly free from drug-addiction, terrorism and toll collection, must be established to protect people and the young generation, in particular, he said. To attain the cherished goal, the law-enforcing agencies and the community should work together as the law-enforcers alone are not capable of overcoming the crisis, he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, The severe cyclonic storm "Remal" has weakened into a deep land depression while moving northwards, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department in its 19th special bulletin. The storm moved northwards from Koyra, Khulna before weakening into a cyclonic storm and then weakening even further over Jashore and the adjoining area. It is likely to move northeastwards further and weaken into a land depression by giving precipitation gradually. Maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to lower danger signal number 10 but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three (r) three. Maritime ports of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to lower danger signal number nine but instead hoist local cautionary signal number three (r) three. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till tomorrow morning (May 28) and then proceed with caution. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Agriculture Minister Abdus Shahid today categorically said that market monitoring would be further strengthened to keep price of essential commodities stable. "Four ministries have been working together to keep price of essential commodities stable. Market monitoring has been going on in regular basis...We are taking measures based on the monitoring," he said. The minister made the remarks while exchanging views with media personnel following an inter-ministerial meeting on price review and control of essential commodities at Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon. Expressing satisfaction over Boro production, he said there is no shortfall of rice as Boro yield in the country was good this year. In this connection, he hoped that the price of rice would remain stable in the country. Besides, he said import of potatoes and onions remains open to check the prices of these essential commodities in domestic markets. When asked, he however, said that monitoring was going on to check prices of eggs. "We are getting information about storage of eggs in cold storages. Monitoring is going on to this end." Abdus Shahid said the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been working relentlessly to fulfil the hopes and aspiration of the people. She (PM) directed our four ministries to check prices of essentials to minimise suffering of general masses, he added. Regarding today's meeting, he said, "We will again sit together, constantly check the price of each product and will take action accordingly," he added. He said the prices of most of the essential goods remain at affordable level of commoners due to the sincere efforts of the government to this end. Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder, State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu, Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter, Food Secretary Md Ismail Hossain, Commerce Secretary Md Selim Uddin and Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider attended the meeting, among others. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Ramiz Uddin and Shaheda Akther were happy as they blessed with a child after 10 years of married life. Aysha was passing busy time with her baby. Now there son Alauddin is one year and eight months old. But he is not so healthy as per his age. Last couple of days, Alauddin is not taking food and just crying. Later, his parents went to Sreemangal upazila health complex. Doctors advised them to admit Alauddin in the child ward of the health complex as he suffered with severe malnutrition. Alauddin's weight is only six and a half kilograms when his weight would have been nine to 10-kg at his age and his height is also not enough. Shaheda said she was married off at the age of only 15 years. Alauddin is the only son of their 10-years of married life. Like Alauddin, three-year-old Rabbi Mian, two and a half year old Sunny and four-year-old Paritosh were also admitted at the health complex with severe malnutrition. Partitosh's mother Rani Dey said her son was suffering severe malnutrition from his early age. He was only 1.5 kg after birth. Four-month ago he was admitted at hospital. After five days of treatment, the doctors released him (Paritosh) and gave some medicines with vitamin. Now, her weight increased and his weight is 12 kgs. But he is not as much as tall as per his age, Rani added. According the registers of health complexes and other hospitals and clinics of Sylhet and Moulvibazar, many children have been admitted with severe malnutrition and height complexity. Different non-government organizations (NGOs) are working along with local government health complexes. Experts said the United Nations (UN) gave importance on nutrition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As per the SDG-2, hunger free, achieving food security and removing all types of malnutrition are must. So, the government should give more importance on the issue of malnutrition, they added. Child specialists Professor Dr Monir Hossain of Dhaka Shishu Hospital said many mother are not aware about the breast feeding of their child from the first day of birth to two years. Even, they are not aware that the nutrition is how much essential for their children from her pregnancy to two years of birth. According to a survey of UNICEF, conducted in 2013, low education rate of mother and crisis of socio-economic are related in malnutrition of their children. As per the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2014, the percentage of short children from one to five years is 36 percent while it was 41 percent in 2011, 43 percent in 2007 and 51 percent in 2004. As per the report, the rate of short children is higher in Sylhet division which was 49.6 percent in 2014. The NGOs are working for adequate knowledge, eliminating poverty for mothers and children and empowering the women economically. Dr Monir said adequate nutrition is needed for the overall development of children. Otherwise, they would also suffer mentally. Lake of proper awareness of parents and early marriages are the main reasons behind the malnutrition of children. Department of Family Planning Director of nutrition Dr Mohammad Younus said the rate of malnutrition is being decreased. 'There are 'Pusti Corner' (nutrition corner) in every upazila health complex across the country. Besides, our field-level employees are advising mothers and fathers as well about the nutrition of children and mother,' he added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

DHAKA, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today congratulated former ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal on his re-election as the Managing Director of Common Fund for Commodities (CFC). The premier extended her congratulations when Sheikh Mohammed Belal paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban, said PM's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon. At that time, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy in current times. She asked the CFC Managing Director to help Bangladesh find out the markets of its products including jute and jute goods in a bid to boost export of the country. The CFC is an intergovernmental financial institution established within the framework of the United Nations. The CFC has 101 Member States and nine Institutional Members. Sheikh Mohammed Belal was reelected with two thirds majority for a second four-year term as the Managing Director of CFC, based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. His reelection as the Managing Director of the intergovernmental institute is a reflection of the widespread international recognition of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina in poverty alleviation. Ambassador Belal plays the role of Chief Executive Officer with the rank and status of Under Secretary General in the CFC. He first became the Managing Director of CFC in December, 2019 and completed his four year term in December, 2023. Before assuming his position at the CFC, Sheikh Mohammed Belal served as Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of the Netherlands with concurrent accreditations to the Republic of Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina from March 2014 to February 2020. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Speaker Devraj Ghimire and National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal have extended best wishes on the occasion of the 17th Republic Day. In a message issued today on the occasion of Republic Day-2081 BS, Speaker Ghimire wished that the Republic Day would encourage people-oriented development keeping the democracy in centre. Extending best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad, he paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their valuable lives in democratic and republic struggles taken places in the country at different times. "I request all to stand together to improve the living standard of the people and in favour of the nation's prosperity in the republic, the best system. All political parties should focus their attention on development and prosperity following this ", he added Similarly, issuing a separate message today, NA Chair Dahal wished that the Republic Day would encourage to fulfill the dream of Nepali people of building a beautiful, prosperous and equitable N epal. Extending best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad, he said, "The general people should experience the change in their life. Celebrating the Republic Day will be meaningful if the country can move ahead towards the path of economic development and prosperity strengthening the sovereignty, independence and national unity." Standing firm in favour of good governance and building a socialism-oriented self-dependent economy was the need of the hour, underscored the NA Chair. "I want to extend tribute to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in historic people's movement, people's war taken place in different times for the establishment of the republic", reads the message. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, foodpanda Bangladesh, the leading food and grocery delivery platform, has partnered with the World Food Programme (WFP) to support the population in Gaza through the foodpanda Bangladesh app. "From now on, the users will be able to send their donation to Gaza people through foodpanda apps under WFP's relief efforts", said Zubair B Siddiky, Managing Director of foodpanda Bangladesh. Zubair said, "We believe in the power of community and shared responsibility. Our collaboration with the World Food Program is a small step with a big impact. I urge everyone to donate generously to WFP and assist those in need." Country Director of WFP Bangladesh Dom Scalpelli said, "We applaud foodpanda Bangladesh's commitment to this humanitarian cause. This partnership underscores the significance of private-sector involvement in working together. Contributions from foodpanda and the public will greatly aid those affected in Gaza." foodpanda encourages its users, partners and employees to take part in this initiativ e, emphasizing that even small individual contributions can collectively make a significant difference. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday declared the vote of confidence taken from Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Khagaraj Adhikari as the unconstitutional. A division bench of Justices Kumar Regmi and Sunil Kumar Pokharel concluded that the vote of confidence given by 30 province assembly members in the 60-member province assembly on May 7 was against the constitutional provision. With the verdict of the SC, Chief Minister Adhikari has been relieved of the post. Former Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Government Surendra Raj Pandey had lodged the petition at the SC terming the Adhikari government unconstitutional. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Standard Chartered Bangladesh(SCB)and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of the University of Dhaka recently inaugurated two new facilities - a Conference Centre and a Teacher's Lounge, along with a fully landscaped garden area. These new campus resources, a contribution to the educational institution from Standard Chartered, reflect the Bank's commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, fostering academic excellence in Bangladesh, and supporting faculty and professional development. The Institute of Business Administration, with its long-standing reputation for producing some of the country's brightest business minds, can utilize the Conference Centre and Teacher's Lounge to boost the teaching experience for faculty, as well as the academic experience for students, said a press release. The garden space will also serve as a location where students, teachers, and guests can interact and enjoy the greenery. Creating a variety of spaces - across higher education campu ses - enables students, professors, and guests to share experiences, learn from one another, and network with greater ease and efficacy. The Bank's contribution will also help IBA uphold its legacy of creating a steady stream of qualified educators, who are sharing their knowledge in Bangladesh and across the world. Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "Collaboration between the corporate sector and academic institutions is essential for business education to satisfy the needs of the business world. We are delighted to partner with IBA, a recognized centre of excellence in business education which, over the last six decades produced not only a large number of professionals who have been leading domestic and multinational corporates, but also presented the nation with exceptional academics, policymakers, bureaucrats, diplomats, and Governor." Professor Mohammad A. Momen, Director, Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University, said, "The world that our fut ure business leaders are about to inherit will be radically different from anything we have seen in the past. To harness novel technologies, navigate complicated social dynamics, and preserve our environment in that world, I feel nothing is more important than multidisciplinary thinking. I am thrilled to launch the new Conference Centre and Teachers' Lounge here at IBA in collaboration with Standard Chartered." Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh; Professor Mohammad A. Momen, Director, Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University; Jamal Ahmed Sufi, Managing Director, Charuta Private Limited; Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bangladesh; Mesbah Uddin Ahamed, Head of Property, Standard Chartered Bangladesh; and Omar Faruque, Chief Compliance Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh; were present during the inauguration ceremony for the Conference Centre and Teacher's Lounge. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that a republic system is not only a political system but also a lifestyle. In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Republic Day today, the PM has argued that the republic system has been institutionalized at the citizen's level with the development of a republican lifestyle at all walks of life in the society. PM Prachanda has stated that a republic is a system to best utilize one's rights while respecting others' rights too, and more than that the federal democratic republic is also local autonomy and the right to self-determination on fundamental issues. "So, the government is making efforts with firm determination to share its dividends to the citizens," according to the PM. The PM has said that this system offers a guideline for building a prosperous nation by being committed to socialism as stated in the constitution. Furthermore, the PM has said the federal republic system has institutionalized the democratic norms and values including a competitive multiparty democratic system, civic freedom, fundamental rights, human rights, periodic elections, complete press freedom, independent judiciary and rule of law. Likewise, he said the government is working on policy, legal and structural reforms to ensure the dividends of this system to the grassroots-level people. In his message, the PM has extended heartfelt condolences to all the martyrs who lost their lives in different political movements, People's War, People's Movement-II, Madhes movement and other struggles. Source: National News Agency RSS