Day: June 27, 2024

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat today put emphasis on taking customised communication tools and strategy for involving marginalised people in development aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "Communication is something very tricky and it's not easy . . . whatever we discuss in Dhaka and the way we think to communicate may not work in rural Bangladesh. It is very important to understand the local context and the ground reality," he said. The state minister was addressing a function titled 'United in Progress: Sharing the National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan' at a hotel in the city. In the event, the SDG Affairs Unit of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), presented the final draft of the country's first National SDGs Communications Strategy and Action Plan (NSCSAP) for 2024-2030 to the key stakeholders. While analysing the comprehensive communication strate gy (NSCSAP) designed to localise the SDGs ensuring engagement of every citizen in the development process by raising awareness, Arafat said spending money for communication will not bring any result if it does not fit to the local context. So, he said, the communication tools and strategy should be customised to fit into the local context. The communication strategy should be designed in such a way that would create awareness as well as interest among target audience about its message and motivates them to accept it, he added. In this context, the state minister said, the NSCSAP is a pioneering roadmap designed to localise the SDGs, ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of their location, is aware of and engaged in the development process. Terming the strategy as both timely and crucial, he said, "It is a manifestation of our commitment to leave no one behind". The state minster said his ministry has a crucial role in implementing this strategy. "Our ministry bridges the government's policies and the people's understanding and participation. By leveraging our resources, networks and platforms, we aim to ensure that the SDG messages reach every corner of Bangladesh - from urban centres to the most remote villages," he added. Pointing that the success of the country's SDG agenda relies heavily on the awareness and people's participation, Arafat said an informed and engaged citizenry is the bedrock of sustainable development. Highlighting the government achievements in attaining the SDGs, he said, "Since the inception of Agenda 2030, Bangladesh has steadfastly pursued the achievement of the SDGs". "Under the visionary leadership of our Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we have integrated the SDGs into our national planning frameworks, including the Eighth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025)," Arafat said. This integration is not just a policy decision but a testament to the nation's commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, he added. Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the PMO Md Akhter Hos sain, Member (secretary) of the General Economics Division at the Bangladesh Planning Commission Dr Md Kawser Ahmed and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis spoke at the event as special guests. UNOPS Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan delivered welcome address at the function while Additional Secretary (SDGs) Affairs) at the PMO Mohd. Monirul Islam and Communications Senior Officer of UNOPS Nusrat Amin presented the final draft of the strategy (NSCSAP). An open discussion on the strategy was held while participants from different government offices and representatives from NGOs, INGOs and business entities gave their opinions to help finalize the strategy. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A court here today placed accused Foysal Ali and Mostafizur Rahman on six-day remand each in a case lodged over the abduction and murder of Awami League lawmaker of Jhenaidah-4 Anwarul Azim Anar in Kolkata, India. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ataullah passed the order as police produced the duo before the court and pleaded to place them on a 10-day remand. A special team of detective branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained the two from Khagrachari, where they were hiding, posing as devotees at a remote Kali Temple for the last couple of days. The victim's daughter Mumtarin Ferdous Dorin filed the case on May 22 with the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. Anwarul, a three-time MP and president of Jhenaidah's Kaliganj upazila unit Awami League went to India on May 12 on a personal visit to receive treatment. He went missing on May 13 after leaving the flat in Kolkata's Borah Nagar area. According to the Kolkata police sources, Anwarul was taken to a flat in New Town in Kolkat a, where he was believed to be strangled to death and his body was cut into pieces. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Bangladesh has won the 'Best Activities Award' for the screening of the movie 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation' at the International Expo (iExpo) held at the renowned Multimedia University of Malaysia (MMU), Cyberjaya, Selangor. Khalid Faiaz Mohammad, Student Advisor , International Student Society and Tengku Alyssa Sabrina Binti Tengku Erwin Martino, Head of Activities Department, International Expo (iExpo), Multimedia University handed over the Award to Md Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia on Thursday (June 27, 2024) at the Bangladesh High Commission. Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Deputy High Commissioner and Rehana Parvin, First Secretary (Political) were also present on the occasion, a press release received here today said. The international expo was held from June 20-23, 2024 at the Multimedia University with the participation of different countries of the world. As part of public diplomacy initiative, Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur organized the screening of t he film "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" based on the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Friday (June 21, 2024) at Multimedia University. High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Malaysia, Md. Shameem Ahsan; his Spouse, Pandora Chowdhury; Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia, BN Reddy; President and CEO of Multimedia University, Professor Dato' Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su'ud, Faculty members, officials of various Ministries departments of Malaysia including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of diplomatic corps, among others, watched the movie. A large number of students from various Universities, leaders of student associations, leaders of the Bangladesh community in Malaysia, journalists and officials of the High Commission enjoyed the movie with their family members. Deeply moved and touched, the audience highly appreciated the movie and its story line depicting Bangabandhu's relentless epic struggles, profound love and compassion for the country and his people and his tragic assassination along with most of his family members. It may be noted that the prestigious Awards was announced at the 'Gala Night' on the last day of the International Expo on June 23, 2024. President and CEO of the University handed over the Award to three Bangladeshi student leaders. There were six categories of Awards and Bangladesh won the Award under 'Best Activities'. Md. Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, was present at the Gala as a Special Guest along with the President and CEO of the University and a good number of Ambassadors, other invited guests and hundreds of students. One expatriate Bangladeshi student performed dance while WE, a platform of expatriate women entrepreneurs, put up a stall at the Expo along with other countries which showcased rich culture, history and cuisine of Bangladesh. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said automation programmes must be implemented on priority basis to ensure energy security in the country. Urging officials to work more sincerely to boost production and exploration work regarding domestic energy, he said there are pipelines for oil transportation and more pipelines will be installed soon, adding, "It is necessary to take special initiatives for its proper management and maintenance." "It is our responsibility to ensure energy security through proper management," he added. Nasrul Hamid said this while virtually presiding over a review meeting of the implementation and progress of the projects, including the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP), of the 2023-24 fiscals till May 2024. About 2,200 petrol pumps in the country, he said consumers are not getting desired services due to a lack of proper and regular inspections. Vehicles for the transportation of oil should be monitored regularly to ensure safe tran sportation and waste management, he said. Although oil and gas exploration work is not at the desired level, more exploration activities should be conducted. Necessary initiatives can be taken to purchase or hire more rigs," Nasrul Hamid added. The ADP implementation rate of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division was 92.45 percent till May 2024 and the national progress was 57.54 percent. Energy division secretary Md Nurul Alam said the division will implement more than cent percent of ADP this year, like the previous two years. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Chairman Md Amin Ul Ahsan, Petrobangla Chairman Janendra Nath Sarkar, senior officials of the ministry, and heads of various departments as well as companies were present at the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The 5th C-130J aircraft arrived at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu after a successful ferry mission from UK by Bangladesh Air Force aircrew today. Air Commodore Syed Fakruddin Masud of Bangladesh Air Force has led the mission, said an ISPR release. During the ferry flight, the aircraft transited through Antalya (Turkiye) and Muscat (Oman). The aircraft has been received in the traditional way of Air Force at the Bangabandhu Air Base. Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke were present on the occasion. Senior officers of Bangladesh Air Force and Armed Forces Division were present on the occasion. Directorate of Overseas Air Operation of Bangladesh Air Force has managed entire operation of the said ferry mission. The present government has taken various steps to modernize Bangladesh Air Force with the direction and relentless effort of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In this development process, the government has taken steps to induc t 05 US origin C-130J aircraft from United Kingdom through Government to Government agreement. Following this, the process of inducting C-130J is being continued to BAF through the direct procurement and maintenance agreement with Royal Air Force, Marshal Aerospace and Defence Group of UK respectively. C-130J aircraft is equipped with modern avionics and sophisticated technology which would be utilized for transportation of materials, personnel, humanitarian assistance both at home and abroad and to support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. The inclusion of this modern C-130J aircraft in BAF inventory will certainly enhanced global reach and operational capability of BAF as a whole. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The ruling Bangladesh Awami League has earned Taka over 27.14 crore and spent Taka over 9.87 crore in the last calendar year (2023), according to annual financial report of the party. The report, which was submitted to Election Commission (EC) today, said the income mainly came from annual subscription of party members, selling of nomination and primary membership forms, grant and bank interest. AL Central Committee treasurer HN Ashequr Rahman submitted the party's financial statement to EC Secretary Shafiul Azim at Agargaon Nirbachan Bhaban here. According to the report, the last (2023) year's income of the party was over Taka 16.43 crore more than the previous (2022) year. AL office secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, Publicity Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap and Deputy Office Secretary Sayeem Khan were present, among others. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Ruling Awami League lawmaker Abul Hasnat Abdullah today sought tax free vehicle for the lawmakers. "The government has proposed 25 percent tax on the vehicles for the lawmakers in the proposed budget which is not acceptable...so, I propose to withdraw the tax on the vehicles imported for the lawmakers", said the lawmaker of Barishal-1 while participating in the discussion on the proposed budget for FY2024-25 at the Jatiya Sangsad here with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair. The lawmaker also urged the government to supply gas in Barishal through pipeline from Bhola in line with the commitment made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a rally in Barishal. He has demanded setting up of an economic zone in Gauronadi in Barishal. Participating in a discussion, the senior ruling party lawmaker also urged the government to upgrade Gauronadi as a full-fledged district. Even the lawmaker also called for setting up a medical university in Barishal. A four-lane highway in Barishal from Bhanga to Barish al also has been demanded in the budget discussion. He also called for establishing railway connectivity in Barishal starting from Bhanga to Payra port via Agailjara immediately. Terming the proposed budget as a time-befitting, the senior treasury bench lawmaker said, "I am not an economist to go through the budget but as political activist the budget should be helpful for poverty alleviation and curbing the inflation." Along with the poverty alleviation, the proposed budget also has preferred employment generation and ensured adequate allocation for agriculture, education, health management and social security, said the veteran lawmaker in his budget discussion speech. Talking about the revenue collection, Abdullah said National Revenue Board (NBR) usually collects 87 percent of our total revenue and the proposed budget has fixed a target to earn Taka 5,45,000 crore revenue where 4,80,000 crore by the NBR and Taka 61,000 crore from other sources is realistic. On June 6, Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahm ood Ali 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 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. Earlier, the lawmaker paid 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

Ashraful Islam, general secretary of Bagha Upazila unit of Awami League (AL) of Rajshahi district, died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on Wednesday afternoon. He was 50. Ashraful breathed his last around 4.30pm on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said a press release of AL today. He left behind wife, two sons and a host of relatives and admirers to mourn his death. AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Ashraful. In a condolence message, the AL general secretary prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A court here today ordered to confiscate some movable and immovable properties and freeze savings certificates of Taka 2.55 crore of National Board of Revenue (NBR) first secretary Quazi Abu Mahmud Foysal. The court of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Mohammed Ash-Shams Joglul Hossain passed the order, allowing a plea of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Of the properties which have been ordered to be confiscated are a Dhaka flat, two ten-katha plots and savings certificates of Taka 2.55 crore of Foysal, his wife and people near to him. According to the case documents, the ACC was probing allegations against Foysal for amassing illegal wealth. The anti-graft body in its primary investigation found evidences against the NBR officials and his family and filed the plea. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Outgoing Chair of the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) Saber Hossain Chowdhury has called upon the South Asian countries to enhance regional cooperation, coordination and connectivity in curbing environmental pollution. He made the call while delivering his speech as the outgoing SACEP chair at the 16th meeting of its Governing Council held in Thimphu, Bhutan, on June 26 (yesterday), according to a message received here today. Saber Hossain, also the Bangladesh's environment, forest and climate change minister, said environmental pollution is a transboundary issue now and that is why collaborative solutions are needed to address it. He emphasised the critical need for taking integrated steps to prevent environmental degradation, pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change in the South Asia. Lauding the visionary leaders who established SACEP in 1982 under the Colombo Declaration, before the Earth Summit in 1992, he presented its remarkable achievements across various crucial areas. Highlighting the South Asia's rich geographical, historical, political, ideological and cultural identity, the environment minister hoped that SACEP would serve as the common platform for addressing environmental issues and become the focal point for all environmental perspectives in the region. He mentioned SACEP's ongoing projects including 12 regional grant projects taken to combat plastic pollution and 18 innovation grant projects across Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Saber Hossain said these initiatives support the private sector, entrepreneurs, academia, and ensure women's participation, while SACEP also helps public sectors by providing technical support for national policies, strategies and capacity building. He said despite contributing only 0.48 percent to the global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh remains highly vulnerable to climate change. The environment minister pointed out the melting glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas, rising sea levels, and the existe ntial threat posed to living beings. Putting emphasis on limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, he called for targeted control of greenhouse gas emissions. Saber Hossain also highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to combating environmental degradation and pollution with significant achievements made under the incumbent government's leadership over the past 15 years. He said Bangladesh has established the Bangladesh Climate Trust Fund and recently it formed Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership, which illustrated the nation's proactive approach. As the outgoing SACEP chair, Saber Hossain handed over the chairmanship to Bhutan Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Gem Tshering and congratulated him. He expressed that SACEP would significantly enhance mutual efforts and strategies to combat environmental challenges under the new leadership. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to Beijing after New Delhi reflects the "balanced diplomacy" of Bangladesh. "Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going to China after coming back from India... it is a reflection that we have been maintaining a balanced diplomacy to all," he told reporters at the foreign ministry this afternoon. The foreign minister said Dhaka follows Bangladesh foreign policy's doctrine -- Friendship to all malice towards none -- which was formulated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid a bilateral visit to New Delhi on June 21-22 and scheduled to make her next bilateral visit to Beijing in the second week of July. "Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) will go to China on July 8... the visit will be from July 8 to 11," Hasan confirmed the dates. The foreign minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the first head of government invited by Narendra Modi after forming the new Indian government. "It is indeed a matter of honor for us," said Dr Hasan. He said India is our true friend and the relationship with India is based on the spirit of the great 1971 Liberation War and bonded through cooperation, brotherhood and this special relationship is never to be broken. While, on the other hand, Hasan said, China is Bangladesh's crucially important development partner as Beijing had made significant investment at the country's various projects. "China is our very important development partner and our close neighbor while many Chinese companies are engaged in Bangladesh's Padma Bridge project, Bangabandhu Tunnel and several railway projects as well," he said. Against this backdrop, Hasan said, the Prime Minister's China visit is significant as discussion would be held on a wide range of issues including several projects. "I believe the friendly relations between the two countries (Bangladesh and China) will be strengthened through the (upcoming) visit of Honorable Prime Minister (Sheikh Ha sina) to China," he said. Responding to a query over the discussion agendas of the upcoming prime minister level bilateral meeting in Beijing, he said, "Still, we are developing those as there is more than one week time in hand before the visit". The foreign minister said that the Rohingya issue will get priority in Beijing as China's role is crucial in commencing the repatriation of the forcibly displaced people from Bangladesh to Myanmar. Responding to a question on both Chinese and Indian interest regarding the Teesta river project, Hasan said, "As Teesta is a transboundary river of India and Bangladesh, we think it will be good for us if India helps us (on Teesta project) as per our requirement". While asked about the recently signed Dhaka-Delhi's Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on train movement between Bangladesh and India, the minister said it (the MoU) was signed based on the spirit of regional connectivity. "Only a MoU was signed, any agreement is yet to be inked on this ... we are thinking ab out regional connectivity where train service will not only run from Bangladesh to India, it will also run from Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan," he said. The minister pointed out that the railway connectivity between Dhaka and Kolkata, Dhaka and Siliguri and Khulna and Kolkata have been under operation. "No one complained yet on the railway connectivity with India, everyone is happy," he said, adding that it would be beneficial for both the neighbour countries if the rail connection is extended further. The minister said India has already allowed Bangladesh to transmit hydroelectricity over its territory while Delhi showed its willingness to allow goods transportation between Bangladesh and Nepal, Bhutan using Indian soil. In response to a question about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Wednesday speech in Parliament regarding the repatriation of BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London, Dr. Hasan said that the foreign ministry has been engaged in discussion with the UK government in this regard. " We do not have an extradition treaty with the UK, which is an obstacle. However, efforts to bring him (Tarique) back as a convicted criminal are going on," he added. Earlier, the foreign minister unveiled cover of Anajja publishers research book titled 'Higher Education in Bangladesh' by Dr Subal Rosario and play 'Ami Pritilata' by playwright Jewel Kabir. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

A woman was killed by lighting in Melandah upazila of the district on Wednesday afternoon. The victim was identified as Ankhi Aktar, 30, daughter of Abed Ali at village Guzamanika in Melandah upazila of the district. Officer-in-charge, Melandah Police station, Raju Ahmed said Ankhi Aktar was struck by lightning as she was bathing in rain infront her home. She was rushed to Jamalpur General Hospital where the attending doctors declared her dead. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha