Archive

Floods in 11 eastern districts of Bangladesh have affected over 5.6 million people, with slow water recession causing continued suffering. Relief distribution is uneven, with remote areas receiving less aid due to poor coordination. The government has allocated cash and food, but local officials say it’s insufficient. Health issues are rising among displaced people, and many are worried about damaged homes. Authorities are working to improve relief efforts and provide medical care. READ FULL

Bangladesh Power Development Board opened 16 gates of Kaptai Dam, releasing 30,000 cubic feet of water per second due to increased upstream pressure. The action aims to prevent damage to surrounding areas. The Kaptai Lake is at capacity, and five units of the hydroelectric plant are producing 219 megawatts of electricity. This follows a similar operation on August 25 when gates were opened six inches. READ FULL

Flooding in Comilla district, Bangladesh, continues seven days after Gumti River breached its embankment. Over one million people are affected, with 78,000 in shelters. The river remains above danger level, inundating new areas in Burichang and Brahmanpara upazilas. Relief efforts are hindered by lack of water transport. The district administration has allocated Tk33 lakh and 600 tons of food aid. As waters recede, basic necessities like rice, pulses, and medicine are urgently needed. READ FULL

The government has appointed senior lawyer Ehsanul Haque Shomaji as the new Dhaka Metropolitan public prosecutor, replacing Abdullah Abu. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued a gazette notification announcing the change. Abdullah Abu had been appointed by the previous Awami League government. This appointment marks a shift in the public prosecutor’s office following the change in government. Daily Star

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, requesting security for approximately 9,000 Chinese citizens living in Bangladesh. The adviser assured assistance would be provided as needed. In return, Bangladesh sought China’s help with flood relief efforts in affected districts. This was their first courtesy meeting, where both sides discussed mutual concerns and potential areas of cooperation. The exchange highlights the ongoing diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh. Daily Star

Somoy TV, a private television channel in Bangladesh, resumed regular broadcasting under new management at 11:59 pm last night. The channel had been off-air for a week, starting August 19, following a petition by the new management to temporarily suspend broadcasts for a fresh start. This move was opposed by the previous management, who have now been removed. The resumption was announced on the channel’s social media platforms, marking the end of the brief suspension period. UNB

Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, will be celebrated across Bangladesh today. This major Hindu festival commemorates Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Krishna. It’s observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra. The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh. Temples and religious organizations have planned various programs, including special events at Dhakeshwari National Temple. Media outlets will feature special content highlighting Krishna’s life and philosophy. The festival celebrates the principles of truth, justice, and beauty in society.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a ban on rallies, meetings, and demonstrations near the Bangladesh secretariat and the chief adviser’s government residence. The restriction, which will remain in effect until further notice, was implemented in response to the current situation. This decision aims to maintain order and security in these sensitive areas. The DMP’s notice highlights the authorities’ efforts to manage public gatherings and maintain stability in key government locations during this period. Daily Star

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members were attacked by Indian smugglers at the Daluigacha border in Satkhira’s Kalaroa upazila early Sunday. BGB fired five blank shots to repel the attackers, who fled to India, abandoning their shipment. BGB recovered 252 bottles of Phensedyl, 51 bottles of liquor, and two weapons. The smugglers had crossed into Bangladesh carrying illegal goods and attempted to attack BGB members with sharp weapons when confronted. No injuries were reported in the incident. Dhaka Tribune

Floods in Bangladesh have affected over 5.2 million people across 11 districts, with over 1 million marooned. 3,654 shelters are housing 415,273 people and 22,298 cattle. The floods have caused Tk 411 crore in fisheries and livestock losses and 18 deaths. The government has allocated Tk 3.52 crore, 20,150 tonnes of rice, and 15,000 food packets for relief. Armed forces, medical teams, and volunteers are working together on rescue and relief operations. Authorities urge vigilance against waterborne diseases as floodwaters recede. Daily Star

The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division will deliver an order on Tuesday regarding a petition to stay the High Court’s directive suspending Somoy TV’s broadcast for seven days. The suspension continues until further notice. The petition, filed by a Somoy Media Limited director, seeks to overturn the HC’s August 19 order, which followed a writ petition by the company’s managing director. The HC had also issued a rule asking respondents to explain why Somoy Media should not be allowed to broadcast news impartially. Daily Star

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, particularly affecting the Rohingya. On the seventh anniversary of the Rohingya genocide, he reaffirmed US support for survivors and noted $2.4 billion in humanitarian aid over seven years. Blinken emphasized US commitment to documenting atrocities and supporting Myanmar’s people in their pursuit of a democratic, inclusive future.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board opened 16 spillways of the Kaptai Dam this morning to manage rising water levels amid severe floods. The gates were opened to a height of six inches, releasing 9,000 cubic feet of water per second. The water level in Kaptai Lake had reached 107.66 feet yesterday. Experts say this measure is necessary to protect the dam and surrounding areas, with no immediate cause for concern.

Prof Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser, stressed the importance of utilizing NGO expertise in flood management. In a meeting with NGO representatives, he called for coordinated efforts in relief and rehabilitation. The discussion focused on post-flood challenges, fund mobilization, and effective coordination. Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh highlighted the need for international support and a joint response plan. The government plans to engage donor organizations for further assistance. UNB

Floods in 12 Bangladesh districts have affected 462 km of roads under the Roads and Highways Department, including 90.63 km of national highways. The damage, reported between August 20-22, spans Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachari. Heavy rainfall and upstream water flow have submerged roads and caused landslides. RHD officials are working to maintain usable road networks, with final damage assessments pending.

Former health minister and BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain has been acquitted in a money laundering case involving Tk 9.53 crore. The Dhaka court found the charges unproven, stating the money was earned legally. Mosharraf expressed satisfaction with the verdict, claiming the case was filed to harass him. The case, filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission in 2014, alleged laundering of funds to a UK bank account. Fourteen other cases against Mosharraf are still pending. Daily Star

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stopped Indian Border Security Force (BSF) from building a barbed wire fence at the zero line of Haripara border in Lalmonirhat’s Patgram. BSF began construction without informing BGB, violating border laws requiring a flag meeting before such activities. Local residents protested the construction. After BGB’s intervention, BSF halted the work. Both forces held a flag meeting following the incident. Daily Star

Heavy rains and water from India have worsened flooding in Cumilla, disrupting traffic on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. The Gumti river is flowing 70cm above danger level, causing a bridge collapse in Titas upazila. Parts of Chauddagram and Nangolkot upazilas are submerged. Authorities have restricted vehicle movement on the affected highway sections. Locals fear the situation may worsen if rain continues, with millions already stranded in eight districts.

The UN has renewed its call for accountability regarding recent violence and human rights violations in Bangladesh. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the need for accountability for loss of life and rights violations. Separately, the US expressed readiness to work with Bangladesh on shared interests, including a free Indo-Pacific. Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder noted the US-Bangladesh defense relationship and stressed the importance of observing human rights and avoiding violence. UNB

Several Dhaka University teachers face pressure to resign amid student protests. Prof AKM Mahbub Hasan, dean of Biological Sciences, resigned following student demands. Other faculty members are also being targeted, with protesters calling for their removal from administrative roles. The Dhaka University Teachers’ Association has expressed concern over these incidents, describing a “scary situation” on campus. Some departments are experiencing lockouts and ultimatums from student groups demanding teacher resignations and removals.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to resume its investigation into alleged money laundering by S Alam Group Chairman Mohammed Saiful Alam. This follows a Daily Star report revealing Alam’s $1 billion empire in Singapore. The ACC will examine bank loans, potentially illegal assets, and investments. The investigation, initially started in 2022 but halted, was reopened after a Supreme Court ruling allowed the ACC to proceed independently. Daily Star

The Bangladeshi government has ordered the transfer of 12 deputy inspectors general (DIGs) and commissioners of metropolitan police, as well as 11 superintendents of police (SPs). The transfers, which came into effect immediately, were announced through two separate circulars issued by the Home Ministry. This high-level reshuffle is seen as a move to restructure the country’s police leadership. Daily Star