Category: General

The nation will observe the National Mourning Day with a heavy heart on Sunday, commemorating the 46th anniversary of the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the nation in paying homage to the Father of the Nation followed by the people of all strata marking the day with due reverence and solemnity.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – the architect of the country’s independence — was assassinated along with most of his family members at the dawn of August 15, 1975 by a cabal of army personnel following a deep-rooted conspiracy against the country and its independence.

His two daughters — Sheikh Hasina, now the prime minister, and Sheikh Rehana — survived the massacre as they were abroad at that time.

Eighteen members of the family along with Bangabandhu’s wife Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, three sons — Captain Sheikh Kamal, Lt Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russell–, two daughters-in-law — Sultana Kamal and Rosy Jamal –, brother Sheikh Naser, peasant leader Abdur Rob Serniabat, youth leader Sheikh Fazlul Haq Moni and his wife Arzu Moni, Baby Serniabat, Sukanta Babu, Arif and Abdul Nayeem Khan Rintu were killed on the fateful night.

Bangabandhu’s Military Secretary Col Jamil Uddin Ahmad (Bir Uttam), who was later promoted posthumously to the rank of Brigadier General, was also killed during the massacre. Some members of a family at Mohammadpur in the capital were killed by artillery shells fired by the killers on the same day.

The day is a public holiday.

The Prime Minister will pay homage to the Father of the Nation by placing wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No 32 in the morning.

Tributes will also be paid to Bangabandhu by placing wreaths at his Mazar at Tungipara in Gopalganj district.

The government, different socio-cultural, political and professional organisations, including ruling Awami League and its associate bodies, will also mark the day with various programmes maintaining social distancing rules due to the prevalence of coronavirus.

Special munajats will be offered in all mosques across the country while special prayers will be arranged in temples, pagodas, churches and other worship places across the country.

Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes highlighting the life, struggle and achievements of the great leader while newspapers will be publishing special supplements on the occasion.

The national flag will remain hoisted at half-mast government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, educational institutions, private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad.

Bangladesh missions abroad will also observe the day with elaborate programmes.

DMP tightens security

Police are on high alert to ensure the foolproof security ahead of the National Mourning Day, said DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam on Saturday.

“Though there’s no security threat ahead of August 15, but we can’t rule out any possibility,” said the DMP chief while talking to reporters after checking the overall security at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32.

“August 15 is an important day and the militants may try to carry out subversive activities in the two-km area of the programme venue if they fail to carry out an attack on the location in a bid to draw attention of the international media. But we think no such incident will happen,” he said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Solar light posts are being installed on 28-km Juri-Baralekha road in Moulvibazar district to light up the hilly tracks and reduce road accidents, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin.

The 30 watts solar lights are being installed at 373 important points from Bhuiya Bazar in Juri upazila to Chandagram Bazar in Baralekha upazila, said a media release Saturday.

The project has been funded Tk 5 crore by Climate Change Trust under the ministry of environment, forests and climate Change.

Major aims of the project are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as urbanising rural areas.

The minister, who is an MP from the area, said as part of the implementation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ‘Village will be City’ plan, solar lights are being provided on roads in remote rural areas of the country.

He also said that the widespread use of fossil fuels is increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which is responsible for global warming. To this end, the government is implementing initiatives to generate electricity using various types of renewable energy, including solar power.

“Solar power has been provided in different parts of the country with the funding of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust,” he added.

Solar lights will be installed in phases in all the areas of the country, the release said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The last-minute goal by Kawser Ali Rabbi made all the difference in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football 2020-21 match between Chittagong Abahani and Brothers Union Saturday.

With a 2-1 victory over Brothers, the port city team Chittagong Abahani moved to the fourth slot, securing 40 points from 21 matches. The Gopibagh outfit remained at the 12th slot with six points from 20 matches.

Nigerian player Mathew Chinedu put Abahani ahead in the 16th minute (1-0). However, Brothers struck back through midfielder Imtiaz Sultan Jitu in the 23rd minute (1-1) at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Midfielder Kawser Ali Rabbi scored the match-winner for Abahani in the stoppage time (94th minute).

After the match, Chittagong Abahani stayed in the hunt for the runners-up position along with Sheikh Jamal DC, Dhaka Abahani and Mohammedan.

Three times champions Sheikh Jamal DC remained at the second spot, securing 42 points from 20 matches; six times champions Dhaka Abahani in the third place, bagging 40 points from 21 matches. Fifth-placed Mohammedan earned 39 points from 21 encounters.

On August 9, Bashundhara Kings clinched the league title with four matches to spare, securing 58 points from 21 matches.

Earlier, in Saturday’s other match, Dhaka Mohammedan came from one goal down to beat Rahmatganj 2-1 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the afternoon.

Nigerian player Felix Chidi Odili scored for Rahmatganj in the fourth minute from a penalty (1-0).

Kamrul Islam and Mounzir Coulidiahti scored one each for the Mohammedan in the 38th and 71st minutes.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A court in Feni on Wednesday placed five suspended DB officials on a 3-day remand again in a case over snatching 20 gold bars from a businessman on Dhaka-Chattogram Highway on August 8.

They are sub-inspectors Motaher Hossain, Mizanur Rahman, Nurul Haque and assistant sub-inspectors Abhijit Barua and Masud Rana.

The court of Feni Senior Judicial Magistrate Kamrul Hasan passed the order after investigation officer of the case Monir Hossain produced the accused before seeking a 7-day remand for them after expiry of their three-day remand.

They were initially remanded for three days on August 11, said Golam Jilani, a police inspector posted at Feni court.

DB inspector Md Saiful Islam Bhuyian is currently on a 4-day remand in the same case and is scheduled to be produced before the court within the next few days.

Besides, a source within Feni Police requesting anonymity told UNB that the investigation of the case has been handed over to the Police Bureau of investigation (PBI).

However, a separate source claimed that no official letter has been issued over the matter yet.

Contacted, Deputy Inspector General Of Police, Chattogram Range Anwar Hossain said, “ An application has been sent to the court seeking its order to transfer the case to PBI. Final decision on the matter would be made upon receiving the court’s directive.”

Six sleuths of the detective branch of Feni police were arrested on Tuesday night for allegedly robbing a businessman of 20 gold bars worth Tk 1.24 crore.

Some 15 of the 20 looted gold bars have been recovered from the possession of the accused, police said on Wednesday.

However, the remaining 5 gold bars were not recovered as of filing this report on Saturday night.

Khandaker Nurunnabi, superintendent of Feni police, said the arrests were made following a complaint against them by businessman Gopal Kanti Das.

As per the complaint, the six detectives intercepted Gopal’s car on the road under Fatehpur flyover on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway while he was on his way to Dhaka with 20 gold bars on August 8.

Later, the accused looted the gold bars from Gopal and left the spot.

A robbery case was filed against the six at the Feni model police station.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A couple allegedly ended their lives in their house at Kurmaikul village in Rangunia upazila of Chattogram district on Friday evening.

The deceased were identified as Mohammad Iskandar, 24, son of Shah Alam, and his wife Ruma Akter, 22. They are survived by a 15th-month-old son.

Quoting local people, police said Iskandar, who worked in Qatar, returned to the country on August 10 to be with his wife of two years, child and parents for some time.

On Friday evening, Iskandar’s mother Firoza Begum found the couple’s room locked from inside. Getting no response from inside, Firoza peeped through the window of the room and found both of them hanging from the ceiling with a rope.

She immediately raised an alarm, and local people broke open the door and informed the police.

Khan Nurul Islam, officer-in-charge of Rangunia Police Station, said a team soon rushed to the spot and sent the bodies to the local hospital morgue for an autopsy.

However, Jamal Uddin, father of Ruma, alleged foul play. He claimed that Arif, the brother-in-law of her daughter, used to stalk her often and he had killed the couple.

“A probe is on,” the OC said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The government has taken structural transformation of the economy as a priority agenda for the coming days to maintain its position among the developing countries and become a higher middle-income country by 2031 defying all the hurdles of the post-LDC era.

“We, therefore, need to accelerate this structural transformation of the economy,” the government said in an official budget document.

To this end, the government will provide necessary financial assistance for the implementation of some activities.

These are– mechanisation of agriculture, development of the agro- processing sector, skill development and productivity enhancement, and expansion of training and education related to 4th Industrial Revolution.

The government will also provide necessary financial assistance for encouragement of online based outsourcing work, self- employment/creation of new entrepreneurs, and encouragement of basic and practical research at the university level.

It said that the country has been gradually moving from an agro-based economy to a manufacturing-based economy following the pursuit of effective government policies and strategies during the last 12 years.

Therefore, the document said, the contribution of agriculture to the GDP has been gradually declining and the desired structural transformation is taking place in the economy.

It mentioned that Bangladesh has already qualified for graduation from a least developed country to a developing country.

“To maintain its position among the developing countries and become a higher middle income country by 2031, we need a strong industrial and manufacturing sector, which will help sustain high economic growth.”

According to the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UNCDP) recommendation, Bangladesh’s transition will be effective in 2026. It means until 2026, Bangladesh will be able to enjoy all the benefits applicable to LDCs.

Plans afoot to transform Bangladesh’s economy in view of LDC graduation

However, under the current rules, Bangladesh will be able to enjoy duty-free and quota-free market access for another three years, i.e. until 2029, after entering the EU market.

Meanwhile, the government is preparing a detailed action plan for supporting the country’s export competitiveness to maintain its position in the world market as well as improving further in the post-LDC era.

The plan, which is being prepared by the Economic Relations Division, will incorporate all necessary strategies in the 8th Five Year Plan for the purpose.

Bangladesh will have at least five years to deal with the challenges of transitioning from a least developed country to a developing country.

The UNCDP upon the request of the government has recommended that against the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic, the preparation period for the transition will be five years instead of three. During this period, that is, until 2026, all international facilities will continue.

The LDC Group of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has put forward a proposal to ensure that all trade facilities pertaining to LDCs remain in force for another 12 years after transition.

Bangladesh has actively participated in this process, and is continuing its efforts to get this proposal accepted.

The document said that the government has already taken steps to avail the advantages of GSP+ in EU countries after the graduation.

Meanwhile, the government has taken various steps to address the challenges that Bangladesh will face as a result of its graduation from an LDC.

The government has taken multiple steps to increase the overall competitiveness of the country’s trade and commerce to survive in the international market by competing with products from other countries.

Moreover, the government has taken effective steps to improve its ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index to increase the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI).

The benefits of these steps are becoming evident, the document reads.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A BNP-leader was shot dead in Noakhali Sadar Upazila Friday morning.

The deceased was identified as Harunur Rashid Molla, general secretary of Andar Char Union BNP.

Two others were wounded during this time.

The incident took place in the Taltola area of the local Andar Char Union around 8am on Friday.

Aminul Haque, brother of the deceased, said a few days ago Harun’s son Sazib locked horns with some local goons. They were allegedly ruling party activists.

As a fallout of this event, 15-20 armed youths patrolled the entire area on Friday looking for Sazib.

At one stage, they found Harun, who was also wandering around in search of his son to shield him from any trouble.

Harun was first shot and later wounded further with sharp weapons.

Two of Harun’s associates were also wounded badly during this time including Ramiz Uddin, 25, one of his nephews.

The locals rushed the injured to the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital where the on duty doctor declared Harun dead.

Noakhali Sadar Circle Superintendent of Police Akramul Haque told UNB that two people involved in the murder have been arrested.

The operation to arrest others will continue. “However, the identities and motives of the murderers will be confirmed after further investigation,” he added.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Former South African international Ashwell Prince has been named as Bangladesh’s full-time batting coach till the end of the Twenty20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Prince was hired as Bangladesh’s temporary batting coach for the Zimbabwe series in July. He later also stayed with the team during Bangladesh’s historic 4-1 series triumph over Australia. The BCB has extended Ashwell Prince’s contract till the next year’s ICC’s mega-event, stating his performance as satisfactory. Let’s take a look at Ashwell Prince’s coaching and professional cricket career to discover his potentials to assist Bangladesh cricket as a batting coach.

Who is Bangladesh’s New Batting Coach, Ashwell Prince

Former Proteas international Ashwell Prince has been named as the Tigers’ batting coach, succeeding Jon Lewis, who left Bangladesh Cricket as a batting consultant in May this year.

Early Life

Ashwell Prince was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa in 1977. He made his first-class debut for the Eastern Province side on October 27, 1995. In the mid-1990s, Prince went from Eastern Province to Western Province on the advice of Duncan Fletcher. Ashwell also spent two seasons with the English cricket club Morecambe Cricket Club in his earlier career.

International Career

Ashwell Prince made his Test debut against Australia at the Wanderers in February 2002. He justified his inclusion in the playing XI lineup by scoring 49 runs. He just missed out on a half-century in the third Test in Durban, but his 48 was crucial in his team’s triumph.

Ashwell Prince played 66 Tests (3,665 runs at an average of 41.64) and 52 One-Day Internationals (1,018 runs with an average of 35.10) during his ten-year international career.

Coaching career

Ashwell Prince began coaching at the domestic level following his retirement from international cricket. He was the head coach of the Cobras (a team that has now merged into Western Province) before becoming the permanent batting coach of Bangladesh’s national team.

The Cobras did not win any trophies during Prince’s reign, but they did develop some national team players, notably the Kyle Verreynne, George Linde, Malan brothers, and Zubayr Hamza.

What to Expect From Ashwell Prince

Ashwell Prince has been assigned a key role by BCB. His main responsibility will be to instill confidence in the batters when they are up against a strong opponent.

Bangladesh are eager for big hitters in the Twenty20 format. So, Ashwell Prince has to develop some good hitters prior to the actual T20 World Cup in the October-November window. He also needs to identify the primary causes for failure in the T20 format.

Ashwell Prince may motivate the upcoming talents to develop their approach in the twenty20 format. Then he will be able to teach them everything they need to know about power-hitting in this format. His appointment will be useful if the players respond by getting proper lessons from him.

Bangladesh players must be attentive and sincere to play the longer version format. They need to understand the importance of playing multiple sessions in Test cricket. In order to succeed, batters must play the game with the mindset of putting all of their energy in the contest. Batsmen must also be able to switch their attention quickly from one format to another.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board will be satisfied if Ashwell Prince can bring consistency to the players’ batting approach.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Dhallywood superstar actor Shakib Khan shared his viewpoints on social media regarding the much-talked-about issue of actress Pori Moni on Saturday, questioning the current governing body of the Bangladesh Film Actors’ Association (Bangladesh Cholochitro Shilpi Samity)’s position against the actress.

The association suspended the membership of Pori Moni last Saturday, two days after her arrest in a drugs case at a press briefing held at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC).

Read: Superstar Shakib Khan to seek AL nomination

Expressing his frustration over the decision, Shakib Khan wrote from his official Facebook page: “I have noticed that after the arrest of Pori Moni only on the basis of allegations, the Film Actors’ Association has hastily held a press conference and suspended her membership, without extending any hand of cooperation to her at this crucial moment.”

“This behaviour of the association is really very mysterious. Many conscientious senior-junior artists and cultural activists have regrets about the issue. This is inhumane treatment of the organization against her. The question remains, in whose interest is the current Film Artists Association?” Shakib Khan wrote on the post.

Mentioning that the association acted differently in the past and stood beside other convicted artists, he wrote, “Several senior artists have been arrested on even more heinous charges in the past, however, the then association did not suspend the membership of the accused – rather it stood beside the artist, even protested down the street. This exceptional behaviour of the current association is surely controversial.”

“Once again, it is clear that this association separated the artists instead of uniting them. It has ruined the work environment in the industry by creating this kind of division. Maybe that’s why our cinema industry is on the verge of destruction today,” Shakib Khan expressed his concerns.

Read: Shakib set to miss entire New Zealand series: Akram Khan

He also shared his experience of knowing Pori Moni, saying, “As far as I know as a colleague, Pori Moni lost her parents and grew up without having them around her. There is a significant difference in the struggle, between her and the others of her age with families. Maybe due to lack of proper guideline and support, she could not make the right decisions.”

On August 10, her centenarian grandfather rushed to the court premises to see his granddaughter, even the ongoing horrific pandemic situation could not stop him. Unfortunately, what a cruel time it is! He could not meet his granddaughter. I heard him saying in the court premises that Pori Moni has not done anything for herself in her life. She always donated for people in need – and now the situation has made her a victim.”

Refusing to comment on the technicalities of the arrest, Shakib Khan added, “Pori Moni’s case is still pending and I am not saying anything about that. I am not going to analyze the crime of the case in which she has been arrested. The country’s customary law court is respected. Surely there will be a fair trial at the end of an impartial investigation, but the way she is being harassed on social media before the trial is really sad.”

The actor said that those who misled Pori Moni and victimized her should also be brought under judgement. “Pori Moni has been in more than 30 movies and has several more in her hands. On the contrary, there are some artists who are leading luxurious lives misusing the label of an “artiste” year after year without working in a single movie. I believe we should find out about their source of income as well.

“As a co-artist, I hope that the law will maintain its individuality in the case of Pori Moni and she will learn from her mistakes. I sincerely hope this will help her make the right decision in her future life,“ Shakib Khan concluded the statement on Pori Moni situation with high hopes.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The deceased were identified as Nirab, 3, son of Delwar Hossain of Banshmuri village and Maryam, 4, daughter of Majedul Islam of Alihat village. They were cousins who went to visit their grandparents’ house in Arjipara village of the upazila where the incident took place.

Md Ferdous Wahid, officer-in-charge of Hakimpur Police Station, said the kids were playing near the water body adjacent to their grandparents’ house on Friday afternoon.

When they did not return home after a long time, their family members started searching for them. Later, locals found their bodies floating in the pond.

Drowning in Bangladesh

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five in Bangladesh.

According to Bangladesh Health and Injury Survey (BHIS), nearly 17,000 children drown annually, an average of around 46 each day, in the country. That has led to it being described as a ‘Silent Killer’.

A cross-governmental taskforce was established on drowning prevention – led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with representation from 12 departments. The task force is working to prepare a ‘National Drowning Reduction Strategy’.

According to the WHO’s latest estimates, drowning is the cause of 235,000 deaths every year. Many countries, including Bangladesh, report drowning as a leading cause of childhood mortality, particularly in children under the age of five.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday said that the government would investigate if there is any conspiracy or sabotage behind water vessels repeatedly crashing into pillars of Padma Bridge.

“It would be wrong to take this matter lightly .We have to investigate whether there is any conspiracy or sabotage,” said the general secretary of Awami League.

He also made a call on the armed forces active in the area to closely monitor the situation.

He said this to reporters after visiting the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge in Munshiganj on Friday afternoon .

The minister also hinted that any one of Shimulia or Banglabazar ferry terminals might be shifted elsewhere to reduce the chance of such ‘accidents.

Several commuters had a narrow escape after a ferry carrying them crashed into a pier of the Padma bridge on Friday morning.

The accident occurred when the K-type ferry, named Kakoli, was heading towards Shimlulia ghat in Munshiganj district from Banglabazar ghat in Madaripur.

“Around 7am, the ferry hit pier number 10 shedding a portion of concrete of the pile cap,” executive engineer (main bridge) Dewan Abdul Kader told UNB.

Though the vessel was partially damaged, there has been no structural damage to the bridge. “But frequent ferry accidents are really concerning,” Dewan said.

A pier is a structure that extends into the water to support the bridge superstructure and transfer the loads to the foundation.

Mawa naval police IC JM Shirajul Kabir said the navigator of the ferry lost control of the vessel due to strong river current, leading to the crash.

Navigator Md Badal Hossain said that he lost control of the ferry due to strong river current. “Though a crack developed in the ferry after it had hit the pier, we could safely reach Shimulia ghat,” he said.

In the past two months, at least five such accidents have taken place in the district.

On August 10, the government banned the movement of ferries with heavy vehicles on board under the Padma bridge.

However, the bridge authority claims that the bridge is so strong that only the ferries will sustain damage in case of a collision.

Recently, on the night of August 9, another ferry, Ro Ro Birsreshtha Jahangir, hit pier 10 of the bridge injuring five passengers and causing damage to three vehicles it was carrying.

The authority had filed a complaint at the Louhajang police station in this regard and temporarily suspended the inland master officer and wheel sukani of the ferry.

Besides, on August 10, a five-member probe body was formed and ordered to submit a report within three days.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Known as one of the grandest art extravaganzas in the world, the 19th edition will now be welcoming the art enthusiasts from home and beyond at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) from February 01, 2022, till March 31, 2022.

The curtain for the 19th biennale was scheduled to be lifted on November 01 and the time for the exhibition was extended till December 31st, this year.

Previously, the festival was shifted on March 01, 2021, from the initial timeline, December 01 to 31, 2020. The international festival was then rescheduled last year due to the increasing havoc of Covid-19.

According to the BSA authority, this special edition of the biennale exhibition will be dedicated to the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh.

The 18th Asian Art Biennale hosted artists from 68 countries and the 19th edition is expecting to welcome artists from 100 countries to join this special art extravaganza. The two-month-long exhibition will display two and three-dimensional artworks such as painting, prints, photography, sculpture, installation, new media art etc.

A two-day seminar has been rescheduled to be organized on February 2nd and 3rd, 2022 at the auditorium of the National Art Gallery. The topic of the seminar is “Home and Displacement”.

“We are eyeing for a regular event like the previous years; however, we will also be closely monitoring the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19 situation and act accordingly,” BSA Public Relation Officer Hasan Mahmud previously informed UNB.

Artists and art curators across the world are invited to submit their artworks before October 15, 2021. Interested participating artists aged above 22 years and who have participated in at least two national-level exhibitions (for Bangladeshi participants) are welcome for registration in the 19th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh, according to BSA.

Participating artists may apply through email with soft copies of participation documents or directly with hard copies of relevant documents through courier or in-person to the organizers’ office at BSA.

Since 1981, 18th editions of this international art exhibition have successfully been organized, cementing its legacy as the longest-running international art biennale event in Asia. From the 17th edition in 2016, countries from the Europe and America regions are participating continuously at the Asian Art Biennale.

Details of the exhibition are available on the official Facebook pages of BSA and Asian Art Biennale, and the official website at https://www.asianartbiennale.org.bd/.

Source: United News of Bangladesh