Day: June 27, 2024

Kathmandu: In a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, lawmakers demanded the government expedite mitigation, relief, and rescue efforts in view of the monsoon hazards. They expressed their concerns over the lives affected by incidents of landslides, floods, lightning, and inundation across the country. Ishwari Devi Neupane demanded the government to ensure relief and rescue for the affected, accelerating the efforts to mitigate potential incidents. Manbir Rai and Amanlal Modi were among those lawmakers expressing their concerns over these matters. Amresh Kumar Singh said snapped electric capable in public have posed a grave threat to public, demanding the attention of the bodies concerned for the management. Saying landslide and flood have caused loss of lives and property, lawmaker Ram Hari Khatiwada informed the House that flood and landslide have made loss of lives and property at different places of Okhaldhunga and the injured were airlifted to Katmandu and are receiving treatment. He drew attention of the government towards disturbance of essential services including drinking water, electricity, internet and irrigation due to disaster related incidents. Similarly, HoR member Man Bahadur Gurung through the House demanded to provide relief, compensation, and easy health treatment to victims as landslide, flood have caused loss of lives and property at different places of Kaski while lawmaker Urmila Majhi informed the House that six people of Lamjung lost their lives due to monsoon related disaster. Likewise, lawmaker Kiran Sah drew attention of government and inline bodies for disaster management, asking the government to pay attention in risk reduction and preparedness. Informing the House that 20 people were killed across the country due to rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday where more than 16 people were injured, lawmaker Abdul Khan demanded the government to conduct detailed investigation on the issue of rising anomalies in education sector. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed the need for grooming up children with the knowledge of science and technology to make them worthy citizen as they can conquer the moon in the future. "We have to go to the moon one day. We have to conquer the moon. So, we have to provide our children with science based education from their childhood," she said. The prime minister made the remarks while inaugurating the National Primary Education Week-2024 as the chief guest at a function with a renewed pledge to ensure quality education for children. The Primary and Mass Education Ministry organised the programme at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here this morning. To pursue the knowledge of science and technology, the premier said her government has already built an aerospace and aviation university (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University) and aeronautical research centre to encourage the children to avail such education. She also distributed Primary Education Medal-2023 among the stakeholders on the occasion. The prime minister asked all concerned to make collective efforts to make the children skilled in all sectors that include education, sports and culture. "We are doing everything to make our children worthy citizens in all aspects that include education, sports and culture," she said. She added the children should be prepared from their childhoods by giving them required knowledge and training. The prime minister said the time is the era of technology. "So, we have to prepare our people with the knowledge of technology and for that reason, we have taken all kinds of measure to fulfill the target," she said. Sheikh Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wanted to build Sonar Bangla, calling children as its soldier. The prime minister said her government has built digital Bangladesh which helped provide proper education among the children online and on television. "Digital system is now available everywhere in Bangladesh. We have launched Bangaba ndhu Satellite-1 and spread broadband and wifi connection across the country," she added. The technology has offered the children to know the world, she said, adding the children will now learn by not only study book but also opening their eyes. "It will be better for the children to learn as much as possible from their childhood as the children are good learners than the aged people," she opined. The prime minister said she wanted to transform Bangladesh into a Smart country with building smart citizens, economy and society. "We need to prepare the children with the knowledge of technology from their childhood," she said. She also said her government is modernising the curriculum prioritising science and technology to flourish the latent talents of the students. "Just reading books is not enough. We'll have to extract the talents of the small children. It needs to create scopes for them so that their hidden intelligence can be flourished. Keeping it in mind, we've added modern technology-knowledge into the curriculum," she said. The prime minister said her government is working to develop a balanced, public welfare-oriented, universal and standard education system. A computer lab will be set up in every school of the country, she said. "Initially we started setting up computer labs in the secondary schools and now we've a goal to do it in the primary schools as well," she added. The prime minister said the children will be grown up in such a way as they can take the country ahead with newer innovations. "Today's children will be the leaders of the country one day. Some of the children will be prime minister, minister, high government official and scientist," she said. She continued the children will build Smart Bangladesh by 2041 and run the state towards prosperity by implementing the Delta Plan 2100 to ensure better life for generation after generation. Sheikh Hasina said that they t want to make the pre-primary education for a two-year period instead of one-year one for flourishing the hidden tale nts of small children through sports and games, not for study. The Premier said the government distributed a total of 464,74,29880 copies of free textbooks from 2010 to 2024. The government wants to introduce a community-based school feeding system, she said. As part of the National Primary Education Week-2024, a total of 126 stakeholders were honoured with the medal in 18 categories as 36 students, 15 persons and three organisations received the medal directly from the prime minister. The theme of the week is 'Shishu Bandhov Prathomik Shikkha, Smart Bangladesher Deekkha'. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Rumana Ali and Secretary Farid Ahmed spoke at the function. A video documentary on the activities of the development of primary and mass education across the country was also screened. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have crossed US$26 billion as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided $1.15 billion loans and other lenders provided $900 million. Talking to BSS, Bangladesh Bank (BB) Executive Director and Spokesperson Mezbaul Haque informed that provisional reserve figure is around $26.5 billion. "We have received $1.15 billion from the IMF. We also received around $900 million from other sources like South Korea, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and Islamic Development Bank (IDB)," he said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

British High Commissioner in Dhaka Sarah Cooke paid a courtesy call on Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader at Setu Bhaban in the city this afternoon. During the meeting, they discussed progress of the new government in the last six months and its future programme and priorities. They put emphasis on practicing democracy inside political parties for implementing sustainable democracy in any country. Obaidul Quader said AL is the country's only political party which practices democracy at all levels in true sense and follows the country's constitution, party's constitution and rules and regulations of the Election Commission. Apart from AL, there is no instance of any party in the country to make such democratic practices, he motioned. The British high commissioner appreciated the current government's policy stance on women empowerment and also laid emphasis on inclusion of a large number of women in electing party leadership and public reprehensive. In th is regard, the AL general secretary said the party is putting much importance on women's participation in party's leadership and other fields. Quader lauded the activities of Democracy International for extending training support to political parties with the financial assistance of British government. Sarah Cooke assured of extending all-out support from Democracy International to enhance capabilities of political parties in Bangladesh. AL Information and Research Secretary Dr Selim Mahmud and Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua were present during the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Korea has become an extraordinary development and investment partner of Bangladesh as Chairman and CEO of Korea Export-Import Bank YOON, Hee Sung called on her at her Sangsad Bhaban office. She expressed gratitude to the Korean Government for their assistance that elevated to six billion USD from approximately 300-400 million USD in 5 years, said Prime Minister's Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwer-e-Alom Sarker while briefing reporters after the call on. Sheikh Hasina thanked YOON for signing the agreement on financing the construction of Rail-cum-Road Bridge across the River Karnaphuli at Kalurghat Point, Chattogram Project. "The bridge would surely solve the traffic problems of Chattogram city and create a wide corridor for the Matarbari (Sonadia) deep sea port for South Asia, South East Asia and particularly the Northeastern part of India," she said. The premier thanked them for their concessional financing of significant projects in Bangladesh. She also recall ed her two visits to the Republic of Korea. During her visit in 2010, Sheikh Hasina graciously recalled that she called the Republic "a special friend" deeply involved in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. The Chairman and CEO of Korea Exim Bank YOON, Hee Sung expressed gratitude for meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in person and expressed great satisfaction for his fruitful visit to Dhaka. He considered his visit the most exciting as he saw Bangladesh's ongoing masterpiece development journey. YOON underscored the importance of Bangladesh's growing GDP, ongoing development trajectory, and socio-economic development, which have been well maintained despite the ongoing global economic and political challenges, including the COVID-19 corona virus pandemic. He praised Sheikh Hasina's efforts to reduce poverty and graduate from LDC completely by 2026. YOON reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Korean trade and investment in Bangladesh, a pledge that holds significant promise for the fut ure economic prospects of both countries. The Korean delegation expressed satisfaction in supporting Bangladesh with six billion USD to finance development projects and programs from 2023 to 2027 under EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) and EDPF (Economic Development Promotion Fund). They also expressed their interest in extending cooperation and financing in skilled human resources development in Bangladesh. YOON highlighted the mutual benefits of this cooperation as Bangladesh has a good number of youths as human resource, while the Korean Republic has been facing growing challenges due to its increasing aging population. He expressed hope that both countries can complement each other to overcome this challenge, which eventually helps both countries' socio-economic development, instilling a sense of positivity in the audience about the potential outcomes of this cooperation. YOON also expressed his keen interest in further developing and strengthening bilateral relations with Bangladesh, a ge sture that Sheikh Hasina warmly received. The Prime Minister recalled her meeting with him on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in India in September 2023. She reiterated her commitment to widening and deepening the existing relationship with the Republic of Korea, ensuring a promising future for the two peoples. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties looking forward to a mutually prosperous future, said PM's Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwer-e-Alom Sarker. Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan, Principal Secretary Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, and ERD Secretary MD Shahriar Kader Siddiky were present at the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Water levels at 38 river stations monitored by Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) have marked rise while 64 stations recorded fall. Among the 110 monitored river stations, water levels at seven stations have remained steady while water at one station is flowing above the danger level, a bulletin issued by the FFWC said here today. The Kushiyara at Markuli is flowing 21 cm above the danger level while other major rivers are flowing below danger level. The Brahmaputr-Jamuna rivers are in steady, which may continue in next 24 hours, the FFWC bulletin said adding the Ganges-Padma rivers are in falling trend, which may continue in next 48 hours. The major rivers in the North-eastern region of the country except the Manu, Khowai are in falling trend. The water level of the main rivers in the North-eastern part of the country may fall in the next 24 hours. According to the information from meteorological organizations, medium to heavy rainfall in next 24 hours is expected in the Northern and adjoining upstream parts of the country. As a result, the water level of Teesta River in the region may rise in particular time in next 24 hours. Significant rainfall was recorded at some stations in different districts of Bangladesh during the last 24 hours ending at 9 am today. A total of 80 mm rainfalls were recorded in Sunamganj, 72mm at Dhaka, 60 mm at Takurgaon, 72mm at Chattak (Sunamganj), 71mm at Lorergarh (Sunamganj) and 50 mm at Nakuagaon (Sherpur). During the last 24 hours, significant rainfalls (mm) were recorded in some states like West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim of India, the bulletin added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma today underlined the importance of closer engagement between the media of India and Bangladesh in shaping a positive narrative of New Delhi-Dhaka partnership oriented towards shared values and aspirations. "The media acts as a bridge that connects our peoples, facilitates dialogue and promotes understanding," he said. The envoy was speaking at a special interactive session with members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian High Commission in the capital in the context of a special training programme organised by the Government of India for them. The first batch of twenty DCAB members visited India on a week-long programme in May 2024. Verma underscored the need for significant role of media in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh built upon their shared history and culture. During the event, DCAB members shared experience of their visit to India and its positive role in en hancing their understanding of recent developments in India and India-Bangladesh relations. The training programme for DCAB members is part of a long tradition of multifaceted capacity-building exchanges between India and Bangladesh. DCAB president Nurul Islam Hasib and general secretary Ashiqur Rahman also spoke. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A court here today sentenced a man to life term imprisonment in a drug case in Manda upazila of the district, in 2023. Senior Judge of District and Sessions Judge Court Abu Shamim Azad delivered the verdict this afternoon. The court also fined him Taka 10,000, in default, to suffer one more year in jail. The convicted man is Alauddin alias Ala, son of late Abdas Uddin Mandal, a resident of Mahanagar (Madhyapara) area under Manda upazila of the district. According to prosecution, on September 20, 2023, on a tip-off, a team of Narcotics Control Directorate of the district conducted a drive at the house of Alauddin alias Ala and recovered 60 grams of heroin after searching his body and arrested him. The Narcotics Control Directorate filed a case against the accused with Manda Police Station. Later, police submitted charge-sheet against him in the court. After examining witnesses, the court found him guilty and handed down the punishment today. Public Prosecutor (PP) Advocate Abdul Khalek confirmed the ma tter. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The President Parade (Summer)-2024, marking the commissioning of No 84 BAFA (Bangladesh Air Force Academy) Course and Direct Entry-2024A of Bangladesh Air Force(BAF), was held at the BAF Academy parade ground in Jashore today. Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan reviewed the smartly turned out parade as the chief guest and took salute at the impressive march past. After reviewing the parade, he handed over trophies and flying badges among the Graduating Officer Cadets, said an ISPR press release. Officer Cadet Sabit Hasan Rafi was presented with the coveted 'Sword of Honour' for his best all round performance, Officer Cadet Md Fahim received "Birsreshto Matiur Rahman Trophy" for his best performance in Flying Training and Officer Cadet Md Mustaquimur Rahman was presented "Commandants Trophy" for his best performance in General Service Training in No 84 BAFA Course. Officer Md Mustaquimur Rahman received "Chief of Air Staff Trophy" for his best all-round performance in No 84 BAFA Course amongs t the Ground Branch Officer Cadets. Mentionable that, in this Summer Semester Bir Uttam Sultan Mahmud Squadron was adjudged the Champion Squadron and was accorded Academy colour. In his address, the chief guest began his speech by showing his deep respect to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bengali of all time. At the same time, he remembered Birsreshto Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, the founder of the air campaign that created mountain-like morale and the members of Kilo Flight who conducted the air war during the Liberation War whose contribution paved the sovereign and independent Bangladesh. The Chief of Air Staff showed respect to the heroic Freedom Fighters whose sacrifice gave us the freedom of Bangladesh. He uttered with pride that our father of the nation dreamed of a modern Air Force and to realize his dream the present government is working tirelessly to make the Bangladesh Air Force stronger and added modern aircraft, radar, Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV ) and equipments to Bangladesh Air Force. He mentioned that, under the Forces Goal-2030, activities of infrastructure development are ongoing in Bangladesh Air Force including adding more modern aircraft and necessary equipment. He further said that with the vision and kind guidance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University" has been established to develop the country's aviation sector. The Chief of Air Staff said recently members of Bangladesh Air Force have been able to manufacture their training aircraft "Bangabandhu Basic Trainer" in the country for the first time. He mentioned that, the Air Force Academy's state-of-the-art training system, due to which officer cadets from different friendly countries are undergoing training at the academy is exemplary. Finally, he wished the newly commissioned officers success and thanked all the members of the Bangladesh Air Force Academy. A total of 59 officer cadets including 13 female officer cadets were commissioned this time. Officer Cadet Academy Senior under Officer ASM Mostakim Billah commanded the parade. The parade was followed by a spectacular fly past of different aircrafts and wonderful aerobatic display of Bangladesh Air Force Academy. Among others, high civil and military officials, military and defence attache of different countries and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were present in the ceremony. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

One young woman was killed and another injured when a stone-laden truck hit their bike on the Joypurhat-Dhamoirhat road in front of Mongolbari Moyez Memorial Degree College in Sadar upazila here today. The deceased was identified as Zuthi Sultana, 22, daughter of Entadul Haque, resident of Imbarpur village of Sadar upazila. The accident occurred in the area around 7am when they were going to Joypurhat train station riding a motorcycle. Zuthi died on the spot and injured Maryam was sent to Sadar Upazila Health Complex, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Joypurhat Sadar Police Station Humayun Kabir said. Police seized the truck, but its driver and helper managed to escape, the OC added. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The 20th death anniversary of Journalist Humayun Kabir Balu was observed here today in a befitting manner. Khulna Press Club (KPC) and Professional Journalists Protection Forum (PJPF)have chalked out different programmes marking the death anniversary of Journalist Humayun Kabir Balu. KPC paid tributes at the monument, a memorial built in memory of slain journalists including Balu and Manik Saha on KPC premises in the morning. Afterwards, a discussion meeting was held at the Humayun Kabir Balu Lounge at KPC with its president S M Nazrul Islam in the chair. Mayor of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Talukder Abdul Khaleque addressed the meeting as chief guest and general secretary of city unit AL MDA Babul Rana addressed as special guest. Among others, KPC general secretary Mamun Reza, ex-president of KPC MonirulHuda Moqbul Hossain Mintu, S M Zahid Hossain, senior journalists Mahbub Alam Sohag, Mohammad Ali Sony, Md Saheb Ali, Hasan Ahmed Mollaa addressed the meeting. The chief guest KCC Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque said, "We will not forget the contribution of Humayun Kabir Balu in different fields including Journalism and social welfare." Remembering Balu's role during our Great Liberation War, Khaleque also the president of city unit AL, said people will remember journalist Balu's works for developing Greater Khulna and organizing freedom fighters during the great Liberation War. He also lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for giving 'Ekushey Padak' to late journalists Humayun Kabir Balu and Manik Shaha for their outstanding roles during the Liberation War as well as in the field of journalism. During the discussion, journalist leaders demanded a fresh probe into journalist Humayun Kabir Balu killing case because all of the accused were acquitted due to weak investigation and flawed charge sheet. Humayun Kabir Balu, the then Editor of Dainik Janmobhumi and President of the KPC was murdered on June 27 in 2004 in front of his office-cum-residence in the city. He was returning home from his paternal house a fter handing over sweetmeat to his elderly mother for the successful result of his daughter Husna Mehruba Tumpa in the SSC examination. The journalist leaders urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take proper steps to reinvestigate into Balu killing case. Later, a doa mahfil was held. Meanwhile, Khulna Professional Journalist Protection Forum paid rich tributes at the portrait of Humayun Kabir Balu on the office-cum-residence premises of Humayun Kabir Balu. Besides, a doa mahfil and munajat was offered at his grave in city's Basupara area. Later, the Journalists Forum brought out a human chain at Shaheed Dr Milon Square on KDA Avenue demanded fresh reinvestigation into the Balu killing case. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today received over Taka 314 crore as the 7th and 8th installments of loan repayment taken for the construction of the Padma Bridge. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader handed over a cheque of Taka 314,64,86,963 to the Prime Minister as the seventh and eighth installments of loan for Padma Bridge at a programme at the Ganabhaban here. PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, PMO secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, PM's Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan, Finance Division Secretary Dr. Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and other concerned high officials were present at the programme. With the latest installments, the bridges division has so far paid a total of Taka 1262,66,06,548 to the government. On April 5, the bridges division began the repayment of the loan with Taka 316,90,97,050 from the revenue it earned as toll collection from the bridge as the first and second installments. A total of Taka 1653,71,65,550 was collected as toll from the Padma Bridge since its operation on June 25 in 2022 to June 26, 2024. The Padma Bridge was built with own finance at a cost of over Taka 32,605.52 crore. The loan was taken from Bangladesh Bank at a low interest rate under an agreement signed between the Finance Division and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority. On June 25, 2022, the Prime Minister opened the country's largest bridge - 6.15-km Padma Bridge - over the mighty river Padma. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha