Day: May 29, 2024

Efforts are on to bring back the mastermind of Anwarul Azim Anar killing, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman here today. Anwarul Azim Anar, a Member of Parliament (MP) from Jhenaidah-4 constituency went missing in second week of this month from Kolkata, West Bengal, India. 'A team of DMP and Indian police are working together to recover the body of Anar,' Habib told newsmen following a training on database and analysis of road crash software at the DMP headquarters. Replying to a question, he said DNA test will confirm whether the body parts recovered from Sanjiba Garden in Kolkata are of Anwarul Azim Anar's or not. The DMP chief said the motive of the murder is yet to be ascertained. He said the motive will be known after arresting the main conspirator Aktaruzzaman Shahin, reportedly a citizen of the United States. Police are making frantic efforts to bring him back to Bangladesh. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

It has long been suggested that healthy curiosity is a sign of intelligence, this has been seen clearly in the case of twenty-one-year-old Atashi at her time of crisis. Deadly Coronavirus pandemic forced Atashi to come back home from Kolkata in 2020 where she was studying music at a school in a four-year course. After returning home she was passing her time idly, finding nothing to do related to earning. Getting bored Atashi unlocked her intelligence that made her curious to do business through online. She communicated with her friend at Dhaka and told her to send some three pieces and sarees. After getting those items, she first communicated with her local friends and some senior sisters at Rajshahi city. She sent pictures of her products. And surprisingly, all her items were sold out within three days. She earned Taka 3,000 while she invested Taka 15,000. Atashi's intelligence made it clear to her that Bangladesh has diverse e-business target customers as it caters to urban and rural consumers. She also found that younger generations are more likely to shop online to being more accustomed to modern technologies. Encouraged by the ideas, it was the month of July when she started the e-business. Now, she is passing a very busy time with her business. She earned Taka 60,000 last month by selling garment items. A large number of women have become financially solvent through e-business during the COVID19 pandemic. Most of the business and institutional establishments were shut down in the country as well as the world due to the epidemic that brought a massive change to the normal lifestyle. Like other parts in the world, demand and popularity of the online as well as e-commerce business has started rising to a greater extent in Bangladesh. As a result, some young entrepreneurs have built an online business platform with exceptional and diversified local products properly utilizing information and communication technologies. 'Women and e-Commerce Forum' has already become one of the largest online business p latforms as the number of participating members in the platform has exceeded round 10 lakh making many women successful entrepreneurs. Like Atashi, 40-year-old Oly Sarker became unemployed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. She ran a dance school. But her school was shut down and her income also stopped. She fell into a deep crisis as her husband also became unemployed. In the last June, she started selling food items through an online food valley. She just cooks the items and delivered those to deliverymen. In the first month she earned Taka 10,000. Now her income is increasing gradually. Oly said it was very difficult to run the family as 'me and my husband have no income'. 'Later, I've started selling food items. Now, I'm so busy at my kitchen,' she added. She viewed that the e-business is playing a vital role in generating identity of the women which is very important in terms of women empowerment. The Bangladesh e-business industry has significantly grown over the past decade, driven by increasing int ernet penetration, due to favourable government policies. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry for Home Affairs has recommended increasing the number of passport offices in Dhaka to deliver better services to the city dwellers. The parliamentary watchdog made the recommendation at its 3rd meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban here with committee chairman Benjir Ahmed in the chair, a press release said. Committee members Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Shamsul Alam Dudu, Moyj Uddin Sharif, Chayan Islam, Md Saddam Hossain (Pavel) and Hasina Bari Chowdhury attended the meeting, among others, the release added. In the meeting, they also suggested the concerned authority to remain alert so that no Rohingya can get passport illegally. The committee advised the law enforcers to take effective initiatives to make the holidaymaker's upcoming Eid-journey smooth and stop stealing sacrificial animals ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. In the meeting, detail discussion was held through reports and presentations on the overall activities of the Border Guard Bangladesh and the Department of Immigration and Passport. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Chairman of Kantipur Media Group, Kailash Sirohiya, has been released on a deed of guarantee. Sirohiya, who is in detention over citizenship related offense, was released after permission from the District Attorney Office, according to Ranjan Awal, spokesperson at Dhanusha Police Office. The District Attorney had decided that it was not necessary to continue his detention for further investigation on citizenship issues as per Criminal Code. Sirohiya had been to Kathmandu for treatment owing health problems. Now, he would visit the District Police Office, Lalitpur should investigation requires his presence. Source: National News Agency RSS

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim today said that her government is committed to ensuring the welfare of Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. 'We are committed to make it better in the future,' she said during an interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at a city hotel here. She said there might be syndicates that are beyond the control of both Bangladesh and Malaysian governments. Regarding the deadline for Bangladeshi workers to reach Malaysia by May 31, the envoy said it was fixed by her government and announced in January this year. While asked whether the deadline will be extended, she said, 'So far, we are sticking on the date (May 31)'. She also talked about the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and Bangladesh. "I am confident that it would happen," she said adding that the Bangladesh can targeting the South East countries with its products through the proposed FTA. The High Commissioner highlighted her country 's efforts to offer world-class healthcare, education and tourism facilities with an affordable cost. Highlighting different aspects of the bilateral relations between the two countries, the high commissioner recalled that Malaysia is the first Muslim country that recognized Bangladesh after its independence. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hassib also spoke at the session. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: At a time when the least developed and the developing countries have been pressing for the developed countries to meet the target of climate finance- 100 billion US dollars every year as per their commitment, a report released on Wednesday claimed that the developed countries already met the target for the first time in 2022. The report released by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) made such a claim. The report named, 'Climate Finance Provided and Mobilised by Developed Countries in 2013-2022', said, "In 2022, developed countries provided and mobilised a total of USD 115.9 billion in climate finance for developing countries, thereby reaching their collective annual goal of mobilizing USD 100 billion for climate action in developing countries for the first time." The document has further argued the climate financing was realized two years after the initial target year, 2020 and a year before the extended time, 2025. The issue of non-compliance of 100 billion US doll ars by the developed countries had resounded the COP26. The UK had hosted the COP26 (UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties) at Glasgow city from October 31 to November 13 in 2021. As the missing of deadline by the developed countries for climate finance was raised as a pressing issue in the global climate forums, the developed countries later made a collective commitment of mobilizing the USD 100 billion by 2025 in a Bonn conference in June 2023. The report has mentioned Nepal under the 'developing countries', referring to the countries incorporated in the 2018 Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients for development finance. The developed countries provided and mobilized USD 115.9 billion to the developing countries in 2022, as per the OECD report. Concern over report As soon as the OECD made public the report, comments on it have also surfaced. A staunch observer of the international development on climate change issues, Harjeet Singh, has ex pressed concern- an unclear and insufficient process of climate finance to the developing countries. In response, Singh, who is also the Strategic Advisor to the Global Partnerships to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, observed, "While developed countries claim to meet the target of providing $100 billion annually in climate finance to developing nations, the process is riddled with ambiguity and inadequacies." He also questioned why much of the financing scheme was a loan. "Much of the funding is repackaged as loans rather than grants and is often intertwined with existing aid, blurring the lines of true financial assistance," Singh argued. Singh also wondered if it would be a real support to the needy ones because the cost of climate actions was snowballing of late. 'It's not just about the numbers; it's about integrity and genuine support. As we stand today, the financial needs of developing countries for transitioning away from fossil fuels and dealing with climate impacts have skyro cketed into the trillions," he underscored. Singh made X posts in response to the OECD released report: 'This isn't the time for creative accounting or fiscal loopholes. Rich countries urgently need to step up, clear these smokescreens, and deliver real, substantial financial support. The clock is ticking, and our actions now will determine the fate of countless lives and ecosystems that depend on this support." Source: National News Agency RSS

As many as 15 dengue patients were hospitalised in the last 24 hours till this morning, according to the daily statement of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the period, six dengue patients were hospitalised in Dhaka city while nine were admitted to different hospitals outside the capital, the statement added. This year, the total number of cases rose to 2,678 while 35 deaths from dengue disease were reported during the same period. In the past 24 hours, 20 dengue patients were discharged from different hospitals. Among the total cases, 2,678 patients have already been released, the DGHS statement added. Last year, the country recorded 1,705 dengue-related deaths and a total of 3,21,179 dengue cases. On May 29, eighteen wards under two city corporations of Dhaka are at high risk of dengue, according to a survey released on May 28. The risky wards of Dhaka North City Corporation are 12, 13, 20, 36, 31, 32, 17 and 33 while the vulnerable wards of Dhaka South City Corporation are- 4, 13, 52, 54, 16, 3, 5, 15, 17 and 23, the survey added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Hanan Godar called on Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit Bahadur Tamang at the Ministry in Singha Durbar on Wednesday. Matters related to bilateral diplomatic relations and mutual support and cooperation in international multilateral diplomatic forums were discussed during the meeting, Minister Tamang's Secretariat said. Source: National News Agency RSS

State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak received the 'United Nations World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Award-2024' for the videoconferencing app 'Boithak'. The state minister received the award at a function held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 28. This year, Bangladesh Computer Council's (BCC) Secure Video Conferencing System application software 'Boithak' received this award as the winner in the 'Building Confidence and Security in Use of ICT's category for developing secured videoconferencing system 'Boithak', according to a release issued here. Palak, thanking all the young, innovative programmers of Bangladesh Computer Council who worked for the development of video conferencing systems, said that 'under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and with the direction of SajibWazed Joy, Advisor to the Prime Minister on ICT, we have been able to successfully implement Digital Bangladesh in a very short time, and as a result, our young innovators are able to ensure the successful implementation of information technology." A total of 360 projects were selected from 1,049 projects submitted and made open for voting. This year, 18 projects were awarded as winners and 72 projects as champions, the release added. To address the challenges posed by COVID-19, the BCC developed the videoconferencing platform 'Boithak.' Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that women should be active to lead the nation. While inaugurating Women's Conference organized by the CPN (UML) here Wednesday, the former head of the state said that the women should advocate for the issues of women in every sector of their involvement. She added that the Constitution has ensured the fundamental rights therefore all should be active in implementing the rights. The constitution has ensured at least 33 percent women representations in each state organ and that the provisions should be implemented effectively. Former President Bhandari opined that the initiations should be taken to empower the women. She said that Nepali women's movement was guided by the transformative ideological line propounded by the multi-party democracy of the people, developed by the people's leader Madan Bhandari. On a different note, she mentioned that the country's national economy is facing serious challenges therefore self-reliant national economy should be ensured. Four important 'special resolutions' on women's rights were passed by the House of Representatives on 16thJestha 2063 BS. The 'special proposal' was then adopted as part of the then interim constitution. The constitution issued in 2072 BS further institutionalized women's rights. The UML has been organizing a women's conference to commemorate the day when the same special resolution was passed. Source: National News Agency RSS

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said the world must act, and commitments of rich nations must be fulfilled to address climate change impacts. "Climate change is underfunded. Each time there are pledges by developed nations, they remain unfulfilled. In Bangladesh, we have plans and locally- led adaptation to engage communities. However, without funding, our efforts are limited," he said. The minister said this while addressing the Climate and Health Finance Dialogue held in Geneva, Switzerland last night, according to a message received here today. In the current fiscal, Saber Chowdhury said the government of Bangladesh allocated US$ 3.5 billion for adaptation, including health. "Our annual requirement is about US$ 9 billion. So, where will the money come from?" he questioned. In his speech, titled "Country-driven Climate-Health Actions and Financing Needs," he underscored the critical intersection of climate change and public health, emphasising the immediate need for robust, country-specific actions and financing mechanisms. The environment minister stressed the importance of global solidarity, pointing out the significant trust deficit that hampers collective action. "We cannot trust each other because promises and commitments are always unmet. We cannot allow climate change to worsen. If we continue to pump emissions into the air while discussing adaptation and resilience, we must recognise that resilience and adaptation have their natural limits. Unless we control our emissions, we will face even deeper challenges," he said. Saber Chowdhury highlighted the immense pressure that climate-induced events, such as heatwaves, place on health systems, forcing countries like Bangladesh to prioritise between critical issues like climate change, health, education and development. "Bangladesh faces a spectrum of events. With the Hindu Kush Himalayas to the north and the Bay of Bengal to the south, we are squeezed between melting glaciers and rising sea levels. Additionally, we face numerous challenges in between, with many agreements, commitments and pledges," he explained. The minister pointed out that the impacts of climate change extend beyond health, affecting water resources, nutrition, food security and women's health. Salinity intrusion, for instance, causes severe health issues for women, including kidney problems, respiratory issues and hypertension. "The whole approach to 'One Health' - addressing the interconnection of animal, human, and environmental health - is now threatened. It's a steep challenge, but it is necessary for implementation," he emphasised. Saber Hossain Chowdhury detailed Bangladesh's proactive measures through its new National Adaptation Plan, which addresses health risks and considers slow-onset events like rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, melting glaciers, biodiversity loss, and the increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters. "We are following our new National Adaptation Plan, addre ssing health risks. We must consider slow-onset events, such as rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, melting glaciers, biodiversity loss, and the increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters. We need to manage all of these challenges," he said. The minister's address was a compelling reminder of the urgent need for global action and adequate financing to combat the intertwined challenges of climate change and public health. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The special court has ordered to send former Executive Director of Security Printing Center, Bikal Paudel, to prison in a case of money laundering. The bench of Special Court judges Khushi Prasad Tharu, Tejnarayan Singh Rai and Muraribabu Shrestha handed down the order to send Paudel to jail. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case of corruption case against Paudel, on the charge of abusing his authority to amass assets illegally. Source: National News Agency RSS