Category: Bangladesh

Malaysian Immigration authorities arrested 75 people in a crackdown on a foreign prostitution ring in the Klang Valley. The operation led to the detention of 57 foreign women, 10 foreign men, and 8 locals. Most arrested foreigners lacked valid documents. Officials seized passports, cash, and customer records. The raid followed two weeks of surveillance and public information gathering. bd pratidin

Students across Bangladesh are protesting against the reinstatement of quotas in government jobs. They’ve blocked key intersections in Dhaka, including Shahbagh and Science Lab, and highways near universities in Jahangirnagar and Barishal. The “Bangla Blockade” program has caused severe traffic congestion in multiple areas. Protesters are demanding the abolishment of the quota system and have announced an indefinite strike. Police are monitoring the situation closely. Daily Star

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina addressed the ongoing quota protest, stating that the issue should be resolved in court as it’s sub judice. She questioned the logic behind the movement, noting that cancelling quotas had disadvantaged women and people from remote areas. Hasina emphasized respecting the High Court verdict and suggested analyzing how many protesters actually participated in and passed public service exams. Source BSS

Floods in Kurigram, Bangladesh, have forced 37 government primary schools to suspend classes, affecting thousands of students. The Uttar Majherchar Government Primary School is completely submerged. The district’s primary education officer warns more schools may close as water levels rise. The Brahmaputra River is flowing 78cm above danger level at Chilmari point, with further increases expected. Ferry services on the Chilmari-Roumari route have also been suspended due to submerged connecting roads. Source:Daily Star

A 120-meter section of a dyke in Kurigram’s Nageshwari upazila collapsed, causing the Dudhkumar River to flood 17 villages. The river is flowing 20cm above danger level. Over 3,000 families are affected, with many evacuating. Local officials report significant damage to homes and crops. The Water Development Board plans to use sand-filled geobags as a temporary fix and construct a new dyke during the dry season. Source:Daily Star

A 17-year-old college student, Shah Ali Zubair, was hacked to death in Mirpur, Dhaka. The incident occurred at a classmate’s house near Mirpur Commerce College, where Zubair was a first-year HSC student. Police Officer Tariquzzaman confirmed the event. A CID crime unit is investigating the scene. The victim’s body will undergo an autopsy after legal procedures are completed. Source:Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged children to prepare for future moon missions while inaugurating “Bangabandhu Corner” at a primary school in Tungipara. She encouraged students to study diligently, aspiring to become leaders and scientists. Hasina unveiled an album of drawings by children with special needs and emphasized her father Bangabandhu’s vision for improving people’s lives. She also visited his mausoleum and a local market during her visit. BD Pratidin

Students from Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway for 1.5 hours, protesting the quota system in government jobs. Over 300 students demonstrated at Ashekpur, causing traffic congestion. They argue the quota system is discriminatory and unfair to job seekers. The protest ended peacefully around noon, with students demanding reforms to the quota system. Police confirmed normal traffic resumed after the demonstration. Prothom Alo

Dinajpur police arrested Saju Mia, 25, on Thursday night for allegedly raping a six-year-old girl in Ghoraghat. According to Officer-in-Charge Md Asaduzzaman Asad, the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon when the child was returning from a nearby shop. Saju allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon and committed the assault. The suspect, from Loharband Uttarpara area, is now in custody facing charges. Source:Daily Star

Bangladeshi Grandmaster Abdullah Al Rakib shared memories of fellow GM Ziaur Rahman, who passed away during the National Chess Championship. Rakib described Zia as a friendly, ethical person who treated him like a younger brother. He highlighted Zia’s dedication to chess and his significant contributions to the sport in Bangladesh. Rakib emphasized their supportive relationship as teammates and opponents, stating that Zia was arguably Bangladesh’s best chess player performance-wise.  Source:Daily Star

Onion prices in Dhaka, Bangladesh have surged dramatically, reaching Tk 100-120 per kg, up from Tk 90-100 last week. Traders cite supply shortages as the cause. Other vegetable prices have also increased by Tk 10-40 per kg in the past week. Traders attribute this to crop damage from recent heavy rains, leading to reduced supplies. The price hikes are causing concern among consumers, with some struggling to afford basic food items.  Source:Daily Star

The Bangladeshi government has extended Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun’s tenure for another year under contract. This marks his second extension, making him the first IGP to receive two extensions. The extension begins July 12 or from his joining date. Mamun became IGP in September 2022 after serving as Rab director general. Notably, he was among those sanctioned by the US in 2021 for his role in Rab. Daily Star

An unidentified woman, around 50 years old, died after being hit by the Mahanagar Provati Express train near Gunabati Railway Station in Chouddagram, Cumilla. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon. Officer-in-Charge Murad Ullah Bahar of Laksam Railway Police Station confirmed the news. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been notified to help identify the deceased. The body will be sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital morgue. Source: Jagonews

Two siblings, Beauty Akter (20) and Yasin (16), were killed when a covered van hit their auto-rickshaw in Sonaimuri, Noakhali. The accident occurred near Madina Mosque in Bogadia on Friday afternoon. Beauty was seven months pregnant. The van collided with the auto-rickshaw on the Noakhali-Cumilla regional highway, causing instant death of the siblings. Police are taking legal action regarding the incident. Source: Jagonews

An eight-year-old boy, Md Zubayer, was allegedly beaten to death by his father, Selim Mia, in Dhaka’s Pallabi area. The parents were divorced, and the child lived with his mother. The father had recently taken the boy to his home. When neighbors rushed the child to a hospital after the beating, he was declared dead. Police have arrested the father and sent the body for autopsy. Source: Jagonews

Construction of the Dhaka elevated expressway has stalled for months due to financial and legal disputes among stakeholders. The project spans 19.73 kilometers from Kawla to Kutubkhali. The operating entity, First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Limited, admitted to share disputes and funding issues but hopes to resume work by August. The project is a public-private partnership involving companies from China, Thailand, and Bangladesh. The bridge authority has instructed contractors to resolve disputes and resume construction quickly. Prothom Alo

Students from Comilla University have blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway at Kotbari, protesting the reinstatement of the quota system in government jobs. The blockade, which began at 12:30 pm, has caused a 10km tailback. Over 1,000 students are demanding reform of the quota system, arguing that the current 30% quota undervalues merit. Vehicles are stranded, and police have been deployed to control the situation. The protesters vow to continue until their demands are met.

The High Court’s verdict canceling a government circular on freedom fighter quota in 9th-13th grade jobs remains in effect. The Appellate Division adjourned the hearing of the state’s appeal for postponement, suggesting the state file a leave to appeal plea instead. The original High Court ruling on June 5 invalidated the circular reforming freedom fighter quota in various government and semi-autonomous organizations. The state’s request for a stay on the judgment is still pending.

The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers’ Association (FBUTA) announced that their scheduled meeting with Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has been cancelled. The meeting was to discuss the ongoing work abstention by public university teachers demanding reinstatement of previous pension facilities. Quader reportedly cancelled due to a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina regarding Padma Bridge issues. The nationwide work abstention by teachers continues as they oppose the Universal Pension Scheme in favor of their previous pension system. Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina informed parliament that Bangladesh is exploring hydrogen and ammonia for electricity production, alongside solar and wind power. The government aims for 40% clean energy by 2041. Under the Ashrayan project, 8.68 lakh homeless families have been rehabilitated. The PM also highlighted efforts to ensure justice for all and improvements in the judiciary system. Social safety allocation has increased 9.12 times since 2008-09, now at 16.58% of the national budget.bd Pratidin

Recent flash floods and river erosion in Bangladesh’s Rangpur division have damaged or washed away 39 government primary schools across four districts. The damage was caused by rising waters in major rivers following heavy rainfall upstream in India. This recurring issue disrupts education for hundreds of children and causes significant financial losses. Officials note that schools near rivers are often built with temporary materials for easier relocation. Authorities are working on alternative measures to address academic losses. Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with ADB Vice President Yingming Yang, seeking support for Bangladesh’s blue economy, agricultural research, and post-LDC export competitiveness. Hasina emphasized food security and increasing per capita income. The ADB plans to double its support for urban and water policy projects and assist with health, digital technology, and agricultural research. They also discussed developing a city master plan and supporting primary education and healthcare skills development in their new five-year plan. UNB

Bangladesh’s gas production has declined from 2,500 million cubic feet per day to 2,000 million, exacerbating the supply crisis. Production has dropped in major gas fields, with experts blaming negligence and lack of modern technology. The country’s gas reserves may last 10-12 years at current production rates. While state-owned companies struggle to increase production, the government is focusing on LNG imports to meet the growing demand. Experts urge updating reserve data and increasing domestic production.

Bogura District Jail’s jailer, Faridur Rahman Rubel, has been removed from his position following the brief escape of four death row inmates on June 26. He’s been reassigned to the DIG prison office in Rajshahi. Syed Shah Sharif from Rajbari District Jail will replace him. Four prison guards were previously suspended, and three others face a departmental case. Two separate investigations are underway into the incident where inmates escaped through a hole in the cell roof. Source: Daily Star

Heavy rainfall in Bangladesh’s Sylhet region has caused severe flooding and waterlogging in Sylhet city and Sunamganj town. The Sylhet-Sunamganj highway is submerged, cutting off road connections to Companiganj and Gowainghat upazilas. The Surma River is flowing well above danger levels in multiple areas, including Kanaighat, Chhatak, and Sunamganj town. In Sylhet city, the river is just 1cm below the danger level. Source: Daily Star

Heavy rains and flash floods in Rangamati have stranded about 800 tourists in Sajek, as the Baghaihat-Sajek road is submerged. Vehicular movement on the Rangamati-Khagrachhari road has also been disrupted due to landslides and waterlogging. Local officials report that low-lying areas in Baghaichhari are flooded from upstream water. The situation is expected to improve only after water levels recede. Meanwhile, only light vehicles are currently operating on the Rangamati-Khagrachhari road. Daily Star

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Md Harun-Ar-Rashid declared Bangladesh the world’s safest country, citing no current risk of militant attacks. Speaking on the anniversary of the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack, he stated that the situation is under control and continuously monitored. Harun assured that RAB is now a modern, efficient force capable of handling any situation. He also mentioned ongoing monitoring of banned militant group Ansar Al Islam’s activities and promised that extremism would never rise again in Bangladesh. Daily Star

Illegal dockyards along the Buriganga River in Dhaka, owned by powerful politicians and local leaders, are narrowing the river. Despite orders from the state minister for shipping to remove them, 27 dockyards remain due to the owners’ influence. BIWTA officials admit they can’t evict these establishments. Environmental lawyers stress the need for eviction to save the river, but no action has been taken so far. Prothom Alo

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, addressing the parliament’s budget session on Saturday, announced that Bangladesh is now ranked as the 33rd largest economy among the world’s top 50 economies. This statement was based on statistics from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Prime Minister highlighted this achievement as a significant indicator of Bangladesh’s economic progress and its growing position in the global economy. Source BD Pratidin

The World Bank has approved $650 million for Bangladesh’s Bay Terminal deep seaport project. The funds will support construction of a 6-km breakwater and dredging operations. The new terminal will accommodate larger vessels, reducing turnaround time and potentially saving $1 million daily. It’s expected to handle 36% of Bangladesh’s container volumes and benefit over one million people. This is part of the World Bank’s record $3.4 billion commitment to Bangladesh in FY 23-24. Source Prothom Alo

The IMF has disbursed $1.15 billion to Bangladesh as the third tranche of a $4.7 billion loan, boosting the country’s foreign exchange reserves to $26.5 billion. This follows previous installments of $476.3 million in February 2023 and $681 million in December 2023. The total disbursed amount now stands at $2.31 billion, with $2.39 billion remaining to be released in four future tranches. Source Prothom Alo

Chattogram customs seized a container of smuggled cigarettes from Thailand, falsely declared as water purifiers. The shipment, worth approximately Tk 5 crore, contained about 50 lakh Mond brand cigarettes. Imported by Hamco Corporation Limited, the goods were discovered during a joint operation based on a tip-off. Bangladesh prohibits foreign cigarettes without Bangla anti-smoking warnings. The seized goods may be sold to Bangladesh Tourism Corporation or destroyed, depending on quality. Daily Star

Dhaka has fallen two places to 168th in the Economist Group’s Global Liveability Index 2024, just above Karachi. Vienna tops the list, followed by Copenhagen, Zurich, Melbourne, and Calgary. The index evaluates 173 cities based on stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure. Despite a slight increase in the average score to 76.1 out of 100, improvements were limited due to geopolitical conflicts, civil unrest, and housing crises in many cities. Daily Star

The Bangladesh government has extended the contractual appointment of Tofazzel Hossain Miah as principal secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for one more year. The extension will be effective from July 5, 2024, or from the date he joins, continuing his current appointment. The Public Administration Ministry issued a notification about this extension on Wednesday. Source UNB

Muchkund Dubey, former Indian foreign secretary and friend of Bangladesh, died at 90 in Delhi. He served as Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh from 1979-1982. A diplomat and scholar, Dubey often advocated for Bangladesh’s interests. He was passionate about Lalon’s songs, translating many into Hindi. Dubey passed away on Wednesday after a month-long illness. His last rites will be performed in New Delhi on Thursday. Prothom Alo

The Bangladesh government has appointed Andalib Elias as the new high commissioner to Sri Lanka, replacing Tareq Md Ariful Islam. Elias, currently serving as deputy high commissioner in Kolkata, is a career diplomat from the 20th batch of BCS (foreign affairs). He has served in various diplomatic roles in Geneva, New York, Manila, and Brussels. Elias specializes in trade, development, climate change, and migration. He holds an MSS in economics from Dhaka University and is married with two daughters. Prothom Alo