Category: Bangladesh

Over 250km of roads under Bangladesh’s Roads and Highways Department (RHD) were damaged by recent floods in the northeast and Cyclone Remal. The affected areas include 155km in flood-hit regions and 98km in cyclone-affected areas. RHD officials are assessing the damage and planning repairs. Experts blame poor planning and neglect of climate change impacts for recurring road damage. RHD claims they’re now using climate-adaptive designs for new constructions. Local roads under LGED were also affected. Daily Star

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed concerns about Russell’s viper at a press conference. She stated that animals, including snakes, don’t attack humans unless threatened, emphasizing the importance of wildlife in ecological balance. Hasina advised caution but suggested people should fear humans more than animals. This comes amid viral social media stories about the spread of Russell’s viper in the country, with some officials offering bounties for killing the snakes. UNB

A fatal accident occurred in Gazipur city, Bangladesh, when a lorry collided with a motorcycle near Majukhan Nimatoli Bridge. The motorcycle rider, Rolex, 35, from Narsingdi district, died on the spot. Police recovered the body and seized both vehicles. The lorry driver and helper were arrested. The incident took place around 11:00am in front of the bridge under Pubail Police Station. Legal proceedings are underway.

A study by Tech Global Institute reveals that women politicians, especially from BNP, faced increased online harassment during Bangladesh’s recent elections. The research analyzed 25,000 Facebook posts, finding widespread disinformation and gender-based attacks. BNP leaders and their families were targeted more than Awami League members. The study highlights the need for better enforcement of existing laws and increased public awareness about social media use to combat online violence against women. Prothom Alo

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposes the Teesta water-sharing deal with Bangladesh, citing potential problems for local residents. She criticizes the renewal of the Ganges water-sharing treaty, claiming the state was excluded from discussions. Banerjee argues these are not purely bilateral issues and involve the state’s interests. She has written to Prime Minister Modi expressing her concerns about both agreements. Source ANI

Bangladesh Weather Update: Many areas in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram divisions expected to see light to moderate rain or thundershowers with gusty winds. Moderate to heavy rainfall likely in some places. Other divisions may experience scattered showers. Temperatures remain stable, but high humidity causes discomfort. Mild heatwave continues in Rajshahi, Khulna, and select districts. BMD forecasts these conditions to persist in the coming days. Daily Star

Bangladesh’s State Minister for IT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, announced plans for a comprehensive drive to combat online gambling. He revealed that about 50 lakh people are involved in such activities, posing risks to various age groups. The government has already blocked 2,600 gambling sites and is now targeting mobile apps. Palak emphasized ongoing efforts to block illegal sites and raise public awareness about the dangers of online gambling. UNB

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the distribution of stipends and tuition fees to underprivileged and meritorious students from secondary to graduate levels. The funds will be disbursed directly to beneficiaries through a digital platform under the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust. Hasina also presented awards to 15 students in the Bangabandhu Creative Talent Search Competition and 21 students received the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Scholar Award. The event took place at Osmani Memorial Auditorium. BSS

Thirteen Bangladeshi nationals, including four children, returned home through Benapole check post after two years of imprisonment in India. They were victims of human trafficking, lured to Kolkata with false job promises. Arrested and sentenced to two years in jail, they were later sheltered by a human rights organization. Indian authorities handed them over to Bangladeshi immigration police. An NGO, Justice Care, will now help reunite them with their families. Daily Star

Bangladesh’s leather industry struggles to expand exports despite growing global demand. The sector faces challenges due to pollution at the Hemayetpur tannery estate, where the common effluent treatment plant is not fully operational. This has led to low rawhide prices, increased leather imports, and difficulty obtaining LWG certification. Only seven factories in Bangladesh have LWG certification, compared to hundreds in competing countries. The government is taking steps to boost exports, but environmental issues remain a significant hurdle. Prothom Alo

A major reshuffle in Bangladesh’s police force has resulted in the transfer of 40 top and mid-level officials. The home ministry issued three circulars detailing the changes. Notable transfers include Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Krishana Pada Roy, who has been moved to Police Headquarters in Dhaka. The transfers affect nine Deputy Inspectors General, 15 newly promoted additional DIGs, and 15 superintendents of police. Daily Star

General Waker-Uz-Zaman has assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff in Bangladesh for a three-year term, replacing General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed. Promoted from lieutenant general, Waker-Uz-Zaman brings over 35 years of military experience. He has served in various key positions, including as Chief of General Staff and principal staff officer to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The general has completed two UN peacekeeping missions and has been awarded for his contributions to army modernization. Daily Star

Bangladesh’s environment and health ministries have urged the public not to panic or kill Russell’s Vipers following recent sightings. The health minister emphasized the importance of prompt medical treatment for snakebites. The environment ministry highlighted the snake’s ecological importance and protected status. Officials warned against misinformation leading to mistaken killings of other snakes. Experts stressed the need for research to confirm any population increase and emphasized focusing on medical treatment rather than killing snakes. Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh after a two-day state visit to India. During her visit, Bangladesh and India signed 10 MoUs, including seven new ones, to strengthen bilateral ties. This was the first bilateral visit by a head of government to India after the BJP’s recent election victory. It was also Hasina’s second trip to New Delhi in less than 15 days, following her attendance at Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9. UNB

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, 79, was admitted to Evercare Hospital’s CCU at 3:30am on doctors’ advice. She has been battling multiple health issues, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, and diabetes. Since her conditional release from prison in 2020, Khaleda has received frequent medical care at the hospital. Her doctors have been recommending treatment abroad since her liver cirrhosis diagnosis in 2021. Last October, US specialists performed a TIPS procedure to address complications from her liver condition. UNB

The Bangladesh government is implementing the Emergency Multi-Sector Rohingya Crisis Response Project in Cox’s Bazar district. The project includes building a 268-km road network, 50 cyclone shelters, community centers, markets, and other infrastructure. It also involves installing lightning arresters and solar street lights. The project, costing Tk 1,394.47 crore, aims to improve rural connectivity, community resilience, and infrastructure for the Rohingya population. Funding comes primarily from the World Bank and German Development Bank. BSS

The Hill Management Committee of Chattogram reports that 6,558 families are illegally living on 26 hills in the city, endangering the environment. Authorities have been asked to disconnect utilities to these settlements. The district administration has launched a campaign to evacuate residents from risky hill slopes due to potential monsoon-related landslides. Shelter centers are being prepared, and dry food has been allocated for evacuees. Officials are calling for stricter penalties for hill-cutting. Daily Star

The flood situation in Sylhet region remains critical despite reduced rainfall. Over 1.6 million people are affected, with 30,000 in shelters. While some rivers show slight water level decreases, most still flow above danger levels. The Kushiyara River has risen alarmingly. Parts of Sylhet city remain waterlogged, disrupting health services. Dyke breaches in Kanaighat and Moulvibazar have flooded new areas. Shahjalal University plans to start online classes post-Eid due to the situation. Source Daily Star

At least 27 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims, including 22 males and 5 females, have died in Saudi Arabia due to various causes. The deaths occurred across different locations: 20 in Makkah, 4 in Madinah, 2 in Mina, and 1 in Jeddah. This year, 85,225 Bangladeshi pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, which was performed on June 15. The information was released by the Hajj Management Portal of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. bd-pratidin

Sufia Kamal, the prominent Bengali poet and political icon, expressed her concerns over the increasing violence, criminalisation and lack of civic sense in Bangladesh during her time. She lamented the growing challenge of unemployment, particularly for the youth, and highlighted the need for courageous leadership and civic consciousness to address social issues like the ultimate goal of achieving a truly democratic society.

Researchers have discovered the ‘Brown Blotched Bengal Tree Frog’ (Polypedates bengalensis) for the first time in Bangladesh. An adult female of this species was found in Jhenaidah district in June 2018. Previously, it was thought to be endemic to India. The finding, published in Herpetology Notes, suggests conducting systematic surveys to assess its population, habitat, and threats in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh government will retrieve allowances along with interest from around 8,000 people who fraudulently obtained freedom fighter certificates and allowances. Legal action will also be taken against them. The move comes after the parliamentary committee’s recommendation to cancel fake freedom fighter certificates and recover the misappropriated funds. The government will open individual cases to determine the amount owed and investigate those involved in the fraudulent certification process. Prothom Alo

Md Azizul Islam, a district livestock officer, has been suspended after allegations of assaulting his colleague Moloy Kumar Shur inside the lift of the livestock minister’s residence. Shur filed a case alleging attempted murder. According to the case, Azizul pushed Shur inside the lift and hit him, causing injuries that required stitches. The fisheries and livestock ministry secretary issued a notification suspending Azizul with food allowance based on disciplinary rules.

Heavy rains have exacerbated the flood situation in Sylhet, Bangladesh, stranding nearly 400,000 people. Rivers are flowing above danger levels, inundating 864 villages. Within Sylhet city, 10,000 residents are marooned as low-lying areas are submerged. The district administration has opened 619 shelters and deployed rescue teams, but the situation is expected to worsen if heavy rainfall continues.

A tragic collision involving a bus, a private car, and a battery-run auto-rickshaw occurred in Muksudpur upazila, Gopalganj, on Tuesday morning. The accident claimed two lives – Saheb Ali, 50, and Rajib Sheikh, 22, both residents of Molladi village. At least 10 others were injured in the incident that took place around 10:30 am in the Charprasannadi area. The injured were admitted to hospitals in Faridpur and Madaripur. jagonews24

Prominent Bangladeshi poet Asim Saha passed away on Tuesday afternoon around 4 pm at BSMMU Hospital in Dhaka. Malek Mahmud, another poet, confirmed his demise. Saha had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease, constipation, and diabetes. He received the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2019 and the Bangla Academy Award in 2012 for his contributions to Bengali language and literature. REUTERS

Workers who stayed back in Dhaka during Eid-ul-Azha to earn extra cash thronged Gabtoli and nearby areas after 9 pm, waiting for buses to travel back home with their earnings and meat. Despite no shortage of buses at Gabtoli Terminal, around 500-600 workers, including rickshaw pullers, domestic helps, and butchers from outside Dhaka, waited on the streets for cheaper fares to destinations like Bogura, Sirajganj, and Rangpur.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will embark on a two-day state visit to India on Friday, her first bilateral trip after the BJP’s re-election. Key agenda items include cross-border connectivity, Indian investments, port management, power trade, and discussing a potential trade pact. Hasina will meet India’s President, Vice President, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her stay, underscoring the strengthening ties between the two nations. The visit comes within 15 days of her attending Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.

Many Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia are spending a lonely Eid away from their families, with some still unemployed months after arriving and spending thousands of dollars. While some try to celebrate with fellow expatriates, others have to work even on Eid day. The migrants express sadness at being away from loved ones during the festival, but accept it as their fate to provide for their families back home.

Workers from Dhaka’s two city corporations have mobilized to dispose of sacrificial animal waste within the designated timeframe after Eid-ul-Adha. Around 19,000 workers are involved, with the DSCC announcing a 24-hour schedule and the DNCC a 6-hour schedule. The mayors inaugurated the waste disposal program, distributing eco-friendly bags, bleaching powder, and disinfectants. Control rooms have been set up at Nagar Bhaban for effective monitoring and coordination of the waste removal efforts. Photo: Prabir Das/Star

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina exchanged Eid greetings with leaders of her party and its associate organizations at her official residence, Ganabhaban, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The party’s general secretary and top leaders greeted her with flowers, followed by leaders from various wings of the party.