Day: June 22, 2024

Two-way traffic has resumed along the Narayangadh-Muglin road, which was blocked due to landslides. The road had been completely shut down for traffic following a landslide at 1:30 am early today. According to Police Inspector Nirala Bhandari of Muglin Area Police Office, the road was blocked to the landslide in Simaltal falling under Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29. Landslide debris was cleared and the road has been opened for two-way traffic since 5:30 this morning. All the vehicles and passengers left stranded due to road blockage have left for their respective destination. Source: National News Agency RSS

Sending a technical team by India to Bangladesh soon for a mega project to conserve and manage Teesta river, moving ahead to start negotiations on a comprehensive trade pact and boosting defence ties were among major outcomes of talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on Saturday. The decision to send an Indian technical team to hold talks on the conservation of the Teesta river within Bangladesh assumes significance as China was keenly eyeing the estimated USD one billion project notwithstanding reservations by New Delhi. Sheikh Hasina is expected to travel to China next month. In reflection of growing intensity in their ties, India and Bangladesh also firmed up a "futuristic vision" to further facilitate transformative cooperation in their engagement. Separately, the two sides signed 10 agreements providing for bolstering ties in a range of critical areas such as digital domain, maritime sphere, blue economy, railways, space, green technology, hea lth and medicine. A major focus of the talks between the two prime ministers was to explore ways to shore up India-Bangladesh cooperation in digital and energy connectivity even as both sides resolved to work towards peaceful management of borders between the two countries. Sheikh Hasina arrived here on Friday, becoming the first foreign leader to make a bilateral incoming visit to India after Modi became prime minister for the third straight term. In his remarks to the media after the talks, Modi said both sides agreed to start negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). "To take our economic relations to new heights, both sides have agreed to start negotiations on CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)," he said. Modi said an Indian technical team will soon visit Dhaka for talks on the conservation and management of Teesta river. "Fifty-four shared rivers connect India and Bangladesh. We have been cooperating on flood management, early warning, drinking water pr ojects. We have decided to start negotiations at the technical level for the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty," he said. "On the conservation and management of the Teesta river in Bangladesh, a technical team will soon visit Bangladesh for talks," he said. At a media briefing, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the management of shared water resources is a crucial and sensitive matter. "Naturally, given our close and friendly ties with Bangladesh, cross-boundary river issues -- and Teesta is one of them -- become important," he said. "It's less about water-sharing per se, it's more about the management of the water flows within Teesta river," he added. In his remarks, Modi described people-to-people contacts as the foundation of ties between the two nations and said India will launch an e-medical visa facility for people from Bangladesh coming to India for medical treatment. India has also decided to open a new assistant high commission in Rangpur. "Today, we have prepared a futuristic vis ion for cooperation in new areas. The youth of both countries will benefit from the consensus reached on cooperation in many areas such as green partnership, digital partnership, blue economy and space," Modi said. "We have kept in our focus -- connectivity, commerce and collaboration. In the last ten years, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. Now we will emphasise more on digital and energy connectivity," he said. Both sides also firmed up a joint document titled the "India-Bangladesh shared vision for the future: Enhanced connectivity, commerce and collaboration for shared prosperity" to expand ties and to align India's "Viksit Bharat 2047' goal with "Smart Bangladesh 2041" vision. In the talks, Modi and Hasina also resolved to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation including in areas of defence production and modernisation of Bangladeshi armed forces and agreed to enhance engagement on countering terrorism and radicalisation. "We had extensive discussions on further strengthen ing defence cooperation, from defence production to modernisation of armed forces," Modi said. "We have decided to strengthen our engagement on counter-terrorism, de-radicalisation and peaceful management of borders." "We share a common vision for the Indian Ocean region. We welcome Bangladesh's decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative," he said. The issue of Rohingya as well as the situation in Myanmar and boosting regional cooperation under the framework of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) grouping also figured in the talks. In his remarks, Modi said Bangladesh is India's largest development partner and New Delhi attaches highest priority to its relations with that country. "Bangladesh is situated at the confluence of our Neighbourhood First policy, Act East policy, Vision SAGAR and Indo-Pacific vision." India has been cooperating with the countries of the Indian Ocean region under the broader policy framework of SAGAR or Security and Gro wth for all in the Region. Following the Modi-Hasina talks, the two sides announced a slew of new measures to boost connectivity and trade. It was announced that a passenger train between Kolkata and Rajshahi will commence service soon. A goods train on Bangladesh Railways from Gede-Darshana to Haldibari-Chilahati cross-border interchange point will also begin a trial run next month. A new bus service between Kolkata and Chittagong will also be rolled out. India will provide a grant for building an inland container depot at Sirajganj in Bangladesh. In his media statement, Modi also listed various initiatives rolled out in the last one year to expand ties. "In the last one year, together we have completed many important projects for public welfare. The sixth cross-border rail link between India and Bangladesh between Akhaura-Agartala has become operational," he said. "The cargo facility for the north-eastern states of India has been started through Khulna-Mongla Port. Mongla Port has been connected by ra il for the first time. Both units of the 1320 MW Maitree thermal power plant have started generating electricity," he noted. Modi said trade in Indian Rupees has commenced between the two countries. "The world's longest river cruise on the Ganga River between India and Bangladesh has been successfully completed. The first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh has been completed," he said. "Export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh, through the Indian grid, has become the first example of sub-regional cooperation in the energy sector," he said. The Indian prime minister said the implementation of such major initiatives in so many areas, in a single year, reflects the "speed and scale of our relations." In the media briefing, Kwatra said the Rohingya issue was discussed. "This is an issue that India and Bangladesh have discussed periodically at different levels of interaction... Humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas is something which we have offered in the past. We continue to work with Bangladesh closely on it," he said. "There are several aspects of the Rohingyas' challenge that Bangladesh faces. Some of it also impinges on us. So those challenges also get discussed," he said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now here on a two-day state visit to India, was accorded a warm ceremonial reception by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. A red carpet was rolled out at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here to receive Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as the national anthems of Bangladesh and India were played. Earlier, on her arrival at the Presidential Palace around 9:00 am (local time), the Bangladesh prime minister was received by Modi. A horse mounted regiment of the President's Guards escorted her motorcade from the Rashtrapati Bhavan gate to the forecourt. Later, Sheikh Hasina was given a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent drawn from the three services of the Indian Armed Forces. The national anthems of the two countries were played at that time. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina then inspected the guard and received salute. Then, the Indian prime minister introduced his cabinet colleagues to Sheikh Hasina at the presentation line. The Bangladesh premier also introduced her entourage members to Modi. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu, Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, Power Division Secretary Md Habibur Rahman, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited Chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmood, Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shameem, Railways Secretary Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir, ERD Secretary Md Shariar Kader Siddiky, Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan, Speech Writer M Nazrul Islam, Awami League Presidium Member Kazi Zafarullah and other members of her entourage were present. Later, the Bangladesh premier went to Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Father of the Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at his Samadhi. Then, Sheikh Hasina went to Hyderabad House to hold a one-to-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed by delegation level talks. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Indian President Smt Droupadi Murmu today said Bangladesh has made significant economic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has made significant economic progress," she said. The Indian President made the remarks as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on Indian Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, said a press release of Indian President. The President noted that India and Bangladesh are moving ahead rapidly to strengthen their cooperation in various areas and are entering into new sectors also. The Indian President expressed confidence that this will chart the future course of the India-Bangladesh relationship. Welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the President said that she was delighted to meet her again, just a few days after the swearing in ceremony of the new government. The Indian President said these regular interactions reflect the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation that began w ith the journey of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. During a warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders agreed to work together to enhance the relationship across all domains including economic ties, development partnership, defense cooperation, energy security and connectivity, the release added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Members of 59 battalion of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested one person with seven gold bars from Sonamasjid land port under Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj district on Friday afternoon. The arrested person was Md. Hamidul Hoque, 61, son of late Belal Uddin Ahmed of Raninagar under Boalia thana in Rajshahi district. BGB in a press release said, acting on detective information, members of BGB of Sonamasjid Check Post searched a passport holder Bangladeshi national Hamidul Hoque as he was coming from India at around 5-30 pm and found the gold bars weighing 710.67 grams worth Tk. 74,10,156. The BGB men also seized from his possession Indian currency 5,800 and Bangladeshi 18,400, the press release added. It further added that the arrested person with the gold and money was handed over to the police of Shibganj thana with a case. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Lawmakers today said the proposed budget has given importance on curbing inflation with a target to stable the economy of the country. Taking part in the general discussion on the national budget for 2024-25 fiscal at the Jatiya Sangsad here, the lawmakers said the proposed budget has given significant allocation under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) which would help to curb inflation and commodity price also with a target to bring stability in the economy of the country. Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on June 6 unveiled a Taka 7,97,000 crore national budget for 2024-25 fiscal setting the GDP growth target at 6.8 percent amid an economic meltdown across the world due to ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and Hamas-Israel-Palestine conflict. "The proposed budget will help to curb inflation at 6.5 percent as the proposed budget has imposed one percent duty instead of two at the source on imported goods which would help to bring the rising inflation rate under control", said Housing and Public Works Minister RAM Obaidul Muktadir. Sharply criticizing the two military regimes after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the housing minister said the military regime led by General Zia and General Ershad had drastically hampered the economic development of the country. In 1975, country's per capita income stood US$260 while it has declined to US$190 during the regime of Ziaur Rahman in 1979, said the minister who also a lawmaker Brahmanbaria-3. "The proposed national budget has been placed in line with our electoral manifesto where a total of eleven issues including controlling price of the essentials have been focused", said Agriculture Minister Abdus Shahid in his budget speech. Welcoming the proposed budget, Zahid Maleque, MP, of Manikganj-3 said the proposed budget is pro-people oriented as the government has reduced tax on thirty items which would help to bring the price of daily essentials under control. The allocation under the safety net programmes has been proposed Taka 1,36,026 crore for FY25,up from Taka 1,26,272 crore in FY24 aiming to bring more people under the safety net programmes ,said Nurul Islam Nahid MP of Sylhet-6. "The proposed 53rd budget titled "March towards Smart Bangladesh Following the Path of Sustainable Development" which is only 4.6 percent bigger than that of the current fiscal year, would help to build a smart Bangladesh while the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and Hamas-Israel-Palestine conflict have created an emerging challenge for the economy", said Muhibur Rahman Manik, MP, of Sunamganj-4. Terming the proposed as land mark, Syeda Zakia Noor, MP, of Kishorganj-1 said, "The proposed budget is very much important for our micro-economy as the budget has preferred on containing inflation, employment generation and development of blue economy." Participating in the discussion, Jatiya Party lawmaker Nurunnahar Begum of Women seat-50, however, said the proposed budget has increased the allocation under social safety net but did not increase the peoples allocation. Treasury bench members, State Minister for Finance Wasika Ayesha Khan, Mayejuddin Sharif of Hobiganj-2, Pran Gopal Dutta of Cumilla-7, SM Ataul Huq of Satkhira-4, Mohammad Mainuddin of Brahmanbaria-2 and Sahabuddin of MoulviBazar-1, took part in the discussion. Earlier, they paid their cordial tributes to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, four national leaders, martyred Freedom Fighters and also those who made their utmost sacrifices during the War of Liberation and all subsequent democratic movements in the country. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Gradually rising milk in dairy farms everywhere in the district, particularly in char and village areas, has made the district self-reliant in milk and meat. According the district livestock office, 5.5 lakh tones of milk were produced against the demand of 5.8 lakh tones last year. This year, 5.8 lakh tonnes were produced and the number of milk-giving cows is around three lakh. Char (shoal) areas under Godagari, Paba and Bagha Upazilas have become the suitable and profitable places for rearing and fattening domestic animals, including cattle, buffalos and sheep, at present. Talking to BSS here Friday, Shafiqul Islam, owner of a cattle farm at Char Khidirpur Under Paba Upazila, said they have gradually been enhancing cattle rearing as a result of rising milk and meat prices for the last couple of years. Production of animal proteins, particularly milk, meat and eggs, has been enhanced significantly everywhere in the division as a result of need-based and time-fitting initiatives taken by the government. P roduction of milk was 4.44 lakh tonnes followed by meat 3.41 lakh tonnes and 85.09 crore eggs in 2009-2010 financial year (FY). But, the three figures hiked to 29.69 lakh tonnes, 17.52 lakh tonnes and 450.77 crore respectively in 2021-2022 FY. Dr Abdul Hai Sarker, Divisional Director of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), told BSS that they are working relentlessly with the vision of ensuring safe, adequate and quality animal proteins to all. Fulfilling existing demands of animal proteins through boosting production and productivity and value addition of animal proteins is their mission. Dr Sarker said many upazilas, including Shahzadpur, Sadar, Ullapara and Belkuchi in Sirajganj, Santhia, Bera, Faridpur and Bhangura in Pabna, Gabtoli and Sherpur in Bogura, Paba and Boalia in Rajshahi, Punchbibi in Joypurhat, Shibganj in Chapainawabganj and Sadar and Gurudaspur in Natore, have become milk-growing. Besides, Santhia, Bera and Ishwardi upazilas in Pabna, Shahjadpur and Ullapara in Sirajganj, Sherpur, Gabtoli and Dhunat in Bogura, Shibganj and Gomostapur in Chapainawabganj, Akkelpur and Khetlal in Joypurhat and Godagari in Rajshahi are now being detected as meat-growing ones. In the division consisting of eight districts, there are 146 milk chilling plants, 890 milk processing factories, 14 milk processing plants, 39 feed meal factories, 50 feed premix and two meat processing plants. Apart from this, there are more than 77.90 lakh cattle, 1.21 lakh buffalos, 80.55 lakh goats, 12.20 lakh sheep, 7.25 crore chicken, 94.22 lakh ducks, 27.62 lakh pigeons, 4.03 lakh koel and 1.29 lakh turkey. On behalf of the Livestock and Dairy Development Project, around 1.33 lakh marginalized farmers were given incentives worth around Taka 151.55 crore. In addition to imparting training to 62,862 farmers, 18,660 others were given vaccines and 42,896 deworming tablets. Many of the marginalized households have improved their living and livelihood conditions through rearing sheep in the region, including its vast Barind tra ct, during the 15 years. Abdul Mannan, 53, of Mollapara village under Godagari upazila has become self-reliant through sheep farming. He said the sheep farming has eradicated his poverty and enhanced his dignity in the society. He gets money, meat and milk from it regularly. Habiba Khatun, wife of Abdul Kuddus, a farmer of Rajabari in Godagari upazila, has become an icon in the field of sheep farming. In addition to beef fattening, the venture of goat fattening has become popular as many marginalized families have become self-reliant in the region, including its vast Barind tract. Apart from commercial farming, many of the villagers are seen rearing different species of goat, including black Bengal, either in house or homestead areas in their native way. Sohel Rana and his wife Rima Khatun, are both graduates of Daulatpur village under Bagmara upazila, have started goat rearing ventures at their house, failing to get a government job around five years back. Ashraful Islam has become an icon in his loca lity in terms of attaining economic emancipation side by side with boosting his level of confidence through duck farming for the last couple of years. A resident of Buzrukula village in Bagmara upazila of the district, he has around 1,500 ducks, including around 1,000 egg-laying ones, in his farm at present generating the path of earning around Taka 15 lakh yearly on an average. Professor Jalal Uddin Sarder, who teaches at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Rajshahi University, stressed the need for uplifting the livestock sector for food security, self-employment and poverty reduction. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home tonight after wrapping up her two-day state visit to India. She went to New Delhi on Friday afternoon at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage members landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 08.25pm. Earlier, the flight departed Palam Airport in New Delhi at 6.20pm (Bangladesh time). Indian Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and also Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirtivardhan Singh and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Mustafizur Rahman saw the Prime Minister off at the airport. This was the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India after the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive time following the Lok Sabha elections. Besides, this visit was Sheikh Hasina's second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days, as she was among the dignitaries invite d to Modi's swearing-in ceremony on June 9. During this Prime Minister's visit, Dhaka and New Delhi today signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) including seven new and three renewed to further consolidate the ever-growing relationship between the two neighbouring countries. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury adjourned the House at 6.45 pm today. The House proceedings will resume at 5.30 pm on June 23 (Sunday). Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Dhaka and New Delhi today signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) including seven new and three renewed in the presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to further consolidate the ever-growing relationship between the two neighbouring countries. The MoUs were signed after the delegation-level talks between the two countries at the Hyderabad House here as Sheikh Hasina is now in New Delhi on a two-day state visit to India. The talks mainly featured connectivity, energy, sharing of water from common rivers, maritime resources, trade, border management, security and development partnership. After the delegation level meeting, the Bangladesh prime minister along with her Indian counterpart witnessed the exchange of MoUs on the key areas of blue economy and maritime cooperation, railway, capacity building, health, academic cooperation, fisheries and disaster management. Of the seven new MoUs, a MoU on the Field of Blue Economy and Maritime Cooperation i n the Bay of Bengal and India Ocean Region was signed between the government of Bangladesh and the government of India. Another MoU was signed between Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India for Joint Research on Oceanography of the Indian Ocean and Capacity Building. A MoU on Rail Connectivity between India and Bangladesh was also signed as two separate shared vision of India Bangladesh Digital Partnership and shared vision of India Bangladesh Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future were signed between the two sides as well. Another MoU between Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACE) and Department of Space, Government of the Republic of India and Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, Government of Bangladesh was signed for Collaboration on a Joint Small Satellite Project. A MoU between DSSC, Wellington and DSCSC Mirpur for cooperation concerning military education in the field of strategic and operational studies was also signed. Three renewed MoUs are- MoU for Fisheries Cooperation; MoU for Disaster Management; and MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The outgoing Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed received farewell 'darbar' here today. He also exchanged views with the military officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and other army personnel of different ranks, according to an ISPR press release. Army personnel from all cantonments participated in the darbar through Video teleconferencing (VTC), the release added. In his farewell address, the Army Chief expressed his special gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying that the Bangladesh Army has stood with its head high before the world today as a modern and smart force due to the sincere efforts of the premier. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to all concerned for their full cooperation during discharging duties. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Three new secretaries today separately paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his mausoleum at Tungipara in Gopalganj. They are - Dr Md Mushfiqur Rahman, secretary of Department of Posts and Telecommunications Division, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, chief executive officer (secretary) of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority of the Prime Minister's Office, and AKM Shamimul Haque Siddiqui, secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. After laying the wreath, the secretaries stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the Father of the Nation. Later, they offered munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and other martyrs who had to embrace martyrdom on the fateful August 15, 1975. A special prayer was offered seeking longevity of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members. The secretaries signed the visitors' book at the administrative building of Tu ngipara Mausoleum Complex. Tungipara Upazila Chairman Babul Sheikh, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Moinul Haque, Municipal Mayor Sheikh Tozammel Haque Tutul, Upazila Awami League Vice-President Md. Elias Hossain, among others, were present. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha