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A study found Dhaka’s air has nearly double the WHO-approved limit of carcinogenic elements like arsenic and lead from industries, brick kilns and unfit vehicles. Despite the severe cancer risk, especially to children, the government has done little to enforce environmental laws. Urgent action like closing polluting kilns near homes, proper e-waste management and strict vehicle emission standards is needed. source:thedailystar
Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have dropped below $19 billion for the first time this fiscal year, hitting $18.26 billion after the central bank settled $1.63 billion in import bills through the Asian Clearing Union. The country’s gross forex reserves stood at $19.82 billion on May 8 as per IMF calculation, while Bangladesh Bank’s method puts the current reserves at $23.71 billion, down from $25.27 billion on May 8. source:thedailystar
The U.S. is providing an additional $30.5 million in assistance for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bhasan Char, and the region. The funding includes support for healthcare, nutrition, water, shelter, and self-reliance initiatives. The announcement was made by U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Prescott during his visit to Bangladesh. With this, the total U.S. funding for the Rohingya crisis since 2017 has reached nearly $2.4 billion, of which over $1.9 billion has been provided for refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. Representational image:
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described Islam as a religion of peace while inaugurating the Hajj 2024 program. She urged people to avoid acts like alcohol, gambling, corruption, terrorism, and militancy that hurt religious sentiments. Islam ensures rights for all, she said, condemning how a few tarnish its image through militancy. She assured equal religious freedom and asked pilgrims to pray for Bangladesh during Hajj. This year, 85,257 Bangladeshis, including 4,562 under government management, will perform Hajj expected on June 15. Photo: Prabir Das
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to raise more funds from newer sources to assist the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. During a courtesy call by IOM Director General Amy Pope, Hasina said the decreased funding for Rohingya assistance requires the IOM to find new partners for raising more funds. The PM also called on the IOM to help relocate Rohingyas to Bhasan Char, where around 30,000 Rohingyas have already been shifted out of the 100,000 capacity built with facilities like education and healthcare. Photo: BSS
Ahead of the first phase of upazila parishad polls tomorrow, 418 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to maintain peace and assist the local administration until May 10. Additionally, 1,59,874 Ansar members will help law enforcers ensure security at voting centers. In the first phase, 1,588 candidates will contest 150 upazila polls for chairman, vice chairman, and reserved vice chairman posts. Already, 25 candidates have been elected unopposed in this phase. Photo: Border Guard Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s successful family planning initiatives led to a decline in fertility rates, but the progress has stagnated. The country now faces challenges like a high rate of unintended pregnancies and a potential expiration of the demographic dividend by 2035-36. Experts stress the need to refocus on family planning services, especially for disadvantaged groups, to address these issues and achieve maternal and child health targets under the Sustainable Development Goals. PHOTO: REUTERS
Rail connectivity between Dhaka and Tangail, Narsingdi, and Mymensingh was disrupted for a day after a derailment at Joydebpur Junction. Seven coaches of an empty Dhaka-Tangail commuter train rammed into a stationary oil tanker train, injuring three staffers. Rescue operations continued for two days, and a probe committee was formed. Train services on the western routes faced delays due to single-line operations. Photo: Collected
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, said the central bank must provide all information the public has a right to know, while protecting sensitive data. He acknowledged the need for a system that allows access to journalists while safeguarding confidential strategies. This comes after the Bangladesh Bank imposed restrictions on journalists’ entry into its headquarters, prompting condemnation from media bodies demanding free access. Photo: Amran Hossain
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her recent 6-day visit to Thailand a landmark success, aimed at safeguarding Bangladesh’s economic interests and elevating its regional presence. She highlighted strengthening ties with Thailand, an influential ASEAN member, as crucial for advancing economic and diplomatic relations, including discussions on a free trade agreement, Rohingya repatriation, and supporting Bangladesh’s bid to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner by 2024.
A 48-hour transport strike in Chattogram, enforced by owners and workers, has left commuters stranded at various locations. The strike demands include compensation for buses torched by CUET students after two were killed in a road accident. Hundreds of students and parents suffered as schools reopened amidst the strike. Transport leaders warned of a tougher nationwide movement from May 1 if demands are unmet. The Met office extended the heat alert by 72 hours. Photo: Rajib Raihan
Transport owners and workers in Chattogram have called a 48-hour strike from tomorrow morning, demanding compensation for buses burnt by students of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), among other demands. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Greater Chattogram Public Transports’ Owners and Workers Unity, chaired by its convener Manjur Alam Chowdhury. The strike will begin at 6:00 am on Sunday. Photo: Star
A fire broke out in a bus in front of the Army Stadium in Dhaka today. Upon receiving information, two fire engines rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control around 4:15 pm, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence Control Room duty officer Khaleda Yasmin. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the bus fire incident. Photo: Tanjia Rahman
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader criticized BNP for failing to acknowledge Bangladesh’s development, stating they “see darkness in daylight.” He urged BNP to learn from Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks praising Bangladesh’s economic progress, which Sharif said Pakistan feels “shame” about, contrasting with when Bangladesh was considered a “burden” for Pakistan. Quader also highlighted Sheikh Hasina’s stance against the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, calling on world leaders to oppose aggression and wars amid the tense global situation. Photo taken from his Facebook page
The Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet), closed due to student protests over the deaths of two students in a road accident, will reopen on May 12 as per the syndicate’s decision. However, some protesting students haven’t accepted the decision yet. Earlier, students suspended their demonstration after assurances from authorities that their demands would be met. The university had closed indefinitely and ordered students to vacate halls after failing to pacify protests that followed the accident deaths of two civil engineering students. Photo: Collected
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Bangladesh has recommended reducing government subsidies on power, gas, and fertilizer, and utilizing the savings for social safety net programs. It proposed including more poor people in the programs and increasing their monthly allowances. The IMF also advised reducing state-owned banks’ classified loans, taking action against willful defaulters, and implementing market-based interest and exchange rates. The mission’s visit aims to review the $4.7 billion loan program before releasing the third tranche.
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Poultry farmers across Bangladesh are facing severe losses as the ongoing heatwave has led to the deaths of hundreds of chickens daily. Marginal farmers have incurred losses of around Tk 200 crore in the past 10 days. Egg production has declined by 4-10% due to the extreme heat. Farmers are struggling with high feed costs, power outages, and the need for medication. Many are contemplating closing their businesses as the heatwave persists until Saturday, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in some areas.
In the first phase of upazila parishad elections scheduled for May 8, a total of 25 candidates, including 6 chairmen, have been elected unopposed across several upazilas. These uncontested winners include chairmen, vice-chairmen, and female vice-chairmen from upazilas like Bagerhat Sadar, Munshiganj Sadar, Shibchar in Madaripur, and others. The early uncontested victories have raised questions about the electoral process, even though voting is still over two weeks away.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has protested the government’s hasty steps for merging banks, calling it a “new mask of indemnity” in the banking sector. TIB claimed the merger process lacks transparency, burdens healthy banks with defaulted loans, shields those responsible for irregularities, and provides impunity instead of accountability. The anti-corruption watchdog demanded postponing the merger initiatives and reforming policies based on expert opinions and global standards to address the core problems in the banking sector effectively. (photo/prothomalo)
The High Court has directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to submit an affidavit detailing the progress of its investigation into allegations of illegal wealth accumulation by former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed within two months. The court emphasized its desire for the country to be free from corruption, money laundering, and ensuring no one escapes justice or is wrongfully prosecuted. The order came after hearing a writ petition seeking an ACC probe into news reports about Benazir’s alleged illegal assets. (photo/fb)
A 10-member IMF delegation is visiting Dhaka from Tuesday until May 8 to review Bangladesh’s progress in meeting the conditions for the $4.7 billion loan. They will hold meetings with government agencies like the Finance Division, Bangladesh Bank, and NBR. The visit comes amid challenges like low forex reserves, high inflation, and missed revenue targets. The third loan tranche is expected within two months, but conditions like adopting a flexible exchange rate remain unmet. (photo/reuters)
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued guidelines to prevent heatstroke amid the intense heatwave gripping the country. The key recommendations include staying in shade, drinking plenty of safe water, avoiding street food, wearing light-colored loose clothes, and seeking medical help if experiencing symptoms like cessation of sweating, nausea, severe headache, increased body temperature, decreased appetite, burning sensation, convulsions or fainting. (photo/collected)
The country is reeling under a severe heatwave, with hospitals in badly affected regions like Jashore, Chuadanga, Rajshahi, Pabna, and Barishal inundated with patients, especially children and the elderly suffering from diarrhea, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. Dhaka is also experiencing a surge in outdoor patients with fever, cold, and diarrhea. Health experts attribute the outbreak to the scorching heat and drought, advising precautions like staying hydrated and wearing cotton clothing. Photo: Collected
In Bogura, aspiring swimmers from underprivileged backgrounds face a severe lack of proper training facilities despite their success at the national level. The district’s Tk 3 crore swimming pool remains non-operational, forcing them to practice in dirty ponds used for fish farming. Masud Rana, a swimming instructor who trains these athletes for free, expressed frustration over years of false promises and authorities’ negligence in addressing the issue, despite repeated media coverage. Photo: Mostafa Shabuj
Bangladesh’s edible oil industry has consolidated into an oligopoly, with just four major companies – TK Group, City Group, S Alam Group, and Meghna Group – controlling 80% of the imported edible oil market. The change occurred as many smaller players exited due to inability to sustain losses from price volatility in the global commodities market and unhealthy competition. Experts raise concerns that the oligopolistic nature may allow the major firms to influence prices, affecting consumer interests, unless regulated effectively.
A very severe heatwave is sweeping over the north, northeast and northwest districts of Bangladesh, while a severe heatwave is affecting Dhaka, Khulna, and parts of Rajshahi, according to the Met Office. Districts like Pabna, Jashore, and Chuadanga are experiencing a very severe heatwave. Rain and thundershowers with gusty winds are likely in parts of Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram. Day temperatures may rise further in Rangpur, while night temperatures are expected to remain unchanged across the country. The discomfort due to increased moisture may persist. Photo Amran Hossain
In a horrific incident in Dinajpur’s Nawabganj upazila, a man beat his wife Morzina Begum (34) and daughter Afrin (7) to death, while also critically injuring his son Al Amin (14). The perpetrator, Shahidul Islam, reportedly attacked his family following an argument with his wife. He has been detained by police. Shahidul’s father claims the argument escalated, leading Shahidul to assault his wife and children with a bamboo pole. The deceased’s bodies have been sent for autopsy, while the injured son is undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Battery Complex at the Artillery Centre and School in Chattogram today. During her visit, she witnessed the portrait of Bangabandhu, the historic 3.7-inch howitzer that fired the first shot in 1971, and other artillery exhibits. She also joined a darbar with army officers and watched a documentary on Mujib Battery. The event was attended by cabinet members, service chiefs, MPs, and high officials. Photo collected
Bangladesh’s debt-to-GDP ratio is set to cross 40% in the current fiscal year as the government continues borrowing amid lower revenue collection. It was 39.8% in FY2022-23 and is forecast to reach 41.41% in FY2023-24, according to an IMF report. While the debt burden rises, revenue earnings remain low at around 8-9% of GDP. Economists warn the high debt could be risky if revenue growth doesn’t pick up and the dollar crunch persists. They recommend raising revenue and reducing wasteful expenditure to lessen debt risks.
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Four Bangladeshi women – Yeasmin Begum, Ayesha Hasan, Soma Begum, and Kulsuma Akter – were murdered by their husbands in the UK within the last two years over family feuds. Two perpetrators received prison sentences of 33 and 21 years respectively, while two cases remain under trial. These incidents have raised concerns among Bangladeshis living in the UK. Syeda Choudhury, a London councilor, cited economic strain, drug addiction, and gambling as major reasons behind the rise in domestic violence within the community. Photo Collected
The National University has suspended classes at all colleges under its jurisdiction due to the extreme heat wave until further notice. Additionally, the government has extended the closure of all schools and colleges across Bangladesh until April 27 in response to the ongoing heat wave conditions. This decision comes after the meteorological department issued a three-day heat alert for the country. Earlier, primary schools had also been closed for seven days until April 27 due to the intense heat. The educational institutions were initially scheduled to reopen on April 23 after Ramadan and Eid holidays. Photo Collected
Bangladeshi expatriates in San Antonio, Texas, celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh with great fervor. The Bangladeshi Association in San Antonio (BASA) organized events showcasing Bengali culture, including traditional songs, dances, and cuisine. BASA also recognized the academic achievements of 15 Bangladeshi students by presenting scholarships and awards. Despite being thousands of miles away from their homeland, the Bangladeshi community in San Antonio remains committed to preserving their cultural heritage and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
During the Eid vacation from April 4 to 18, a staggering 407 people lost their lives and 1,398 were injured in 399 road accidents across Bangladesh, according to the passenger welfare association. Motorcycles were involved in nearly 50% of the accidents, resulting in 165 fatalities and 240 injuries. The association compiled the accident data from media reports and the national orthopedic hospital. Additionally, 24 deaths and 21 injuries occurred in 18 rail accidents, while 7 fatalities and 5 injuries were reported in river routes during the same period. Photo Prothom Alo
UN experts expressed dismay over the situation of Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia, who paid exorbitant fees to recruiters, ending up in debt bondage. They raised concerns about criminal networks operating between the two countries, deceiving migrants with fake job offers. The experts alleged high-level officials’ involvement, calling it unacceptable. Each migrant reportedly paid around Tk 500,000 for jobs in Malaysia, highlighting the exploitation in the labor migration process. The experts urged both governments to address this undignified situation urgently. (photo/reuters)
Freedom fighter Shib Narayan Das, one of the designers of the first Bangladesh flag before independence, passed away at 78 in Dhaka on Friday. As a Chhatra League activist, Das was part of the team that conceptualized the initial flag design in 1970, drawing the map of East Pakistan within the red circle on a green background. Though later refined by Kamrul Hasan, Das’s skillful rendering formed the basis of Bangladesh’s iconic national flag. His demise was mourned by political leaders who praised his pivotal role in creating this enduring national symbol. (photo/collected)
A “torture cell” run by former Chhatra League leader Golam Rasul’s teen gang has been discovered in Chattogram’s Akbar Shah area. Located on the ground floor of an under-construction building, the enclosed space was used to torture locals who defied Rasul’s extortion demands. Despite multiple cases against Rasul, including the recent murder of a dentist, police claimed being unaware of the torture cell’s existence. Locals accuse Rasul’s gang of extorting construction sites and businesses in the area, highlighting the gang’s apparent impunity. (photo/jewel shil)