Category: Bangladesh

According to the International Energy Agency’s latest report, while global renewable energy capacity is set to provide nearly half of total electricity demand by 2030, Bangladesh significantly lags behind. The world expects to add over 5,500 gigawatts of renewable capacity between 2024-2030, with solar PV accounting for 80% of growth. However, Bangladesh’s renewable energy share remains at just 1.6%, far below regional counterparts, raising concerns about the country’s energy security and transition to clean power.READ FULL

Five Bangladeshi fishermen who were taken by Myanmar’s Arakan Army from Shah Porir Island estuary in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have been safely returned to Bangladesh. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) received the fishermen at Jaliapara Jetty Ghat on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred on Tuesday, and the return was facilitated through communication with relevant parties in Myanmar, where the Arakan Army currently maintains control due to ongoing conflict. The fishermen are being reunited with their families.READ FULL

Maritime and Textile Adviser Dr. Sakhawat Hossain has announced plans to automate Chittagong Port operations to reduce container handling times. During an inspection visit, he identified issues including long-standing idle containers, irregular licensing, and procurement concerns. The automation initiative aims to improve efficiency, with plans to switch to open tenders from DPM. Port authorities will also address container storage problems through coordination with NBR for auctions.READ FULL

A meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser and Italian officials has resulted in Italy’s commitment to clear 20,000 pending visa applications from Bangladeshi nationals by December. Italy plans to increase embassy staff in Dhaka to expedite the process. While advising against protests, officials emphasized that possessing a ‘nulla osta’ doesn’t guarantee visa approval. The Italian Embassy will maintain strict document verification and continues working with Bangladesh to promote legal migration pathways.READ FULL

The Thakurgaon district administration in Bangladesh has imposed Section 144 at Sri Sri Rashiklal Jiu Temple for the 15th consecutive year during Durga Puja. The restriction, announced by UNO Belayet Hossain, will remain in effect until October 13. The measure stems from a long-standing land dispute between traditional Hindu devotees and ISKCON followers. The conflict previously turned violent in 2009, resulting in a priest’s death, leading to annual restrictions that have prevented worship at the temple.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has ordered banks to freeze the accounts of former Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, along with those of his wife and son, and their associated private entities. The anti-money laundering agency has issued this directive to all banks and financial institutions across the country. The freeze will remain in effect for 30 days, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.READ FULL

A Dhaka court issued a travel ban on S Alam Group owner Mohammed Saiful Alam, his wife, and 11 family members over allegations of laundering $1 billion to Singapore and other countries. The Anti-Corruption Commission requested the ban, citing flight risk. The case follows a Daily Star report exposing Alam’s unauthorized offshore businesses, including substantial investments in Singapore, prompting investigations by the High Court and Bangladesh Bank.READ FULL

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat, former chairman of Padma Bank, amid corruption allegations. The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating claims that he illegally acquired money through power abuse and bribery, allegedly laundering funds to Canada. Sarafat, who resigned in January citing health reasons, is accused of embezzling Tk 800 crore from the stock market and seizing control of the bank.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s representation at the 2024 Smart City Expo World Congress in Hangzhou has opened new collaboration opportunities with China, Spain, and Dubai in areas of electric vehicles, 4IR, and urban development. A2i’s national consultant Md Sahariar Hasan Jiisun attended the event, which showcased China’s smart city achievements. The expo highlighted potential partnerships with tech giants like Huawei and Dahua, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments in 5G, IoT, and renewable energy for Bangladesh’s smart urban development.READ FULL

A delegation from Huawei Technologies Limited, led by Country Director Linjuan Miao, met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan at his office. They discussed potential collaboration for establishing UIU Lab, Smart Classrooms, and Smart Campus at DU with Huawei’s technical support. The meeting also explored possibilities of joint training and Fintech exchange programs between DU and Huawei University. Senior DU officials attended the meeting.READ FULL

Two Commerce Ministry monitoring teams fined seven traders a total of Tk 29,000 in Dhaka today. The drives were conducted at New Market and Gulshan kitchen markets. One team, led by Senior Assistant Secretary Md Mehedi Hasan, fined a chicken trader Tk 2,000, while another team led by Deputy Secretary Mansurin Khan Chowdhury penalized six traders for various violations.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Public Administration Ministry has promoted two additional secretaries to full secretary positions. Farzana Mamtaz from the Agriculture Ministry becomes secretary of the Power Division, while Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi from Public Administration Ministry takes over as secretary of the Youth and Sports Ministry. The promotions were announced through official gazette notifications today.READ FULL

The Environment Ministry will launch a crackdown on polythene bag manufacturers from November 1, announced Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed during a meeting with Shantinagar Market Committee in Dhaka on Saturday. A multi-agency enforcement team will be formed to implement the ban. Despite being prohibited for 22 years, polythene use continues to pose health and environmental risks. Officials urged traders and consumers to switch to eco-friendly alternatives during a market visit following the meeting.READ FULL

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Saturday. During the courtesy visit, the army chief briefed the President about the force’s activities, security measures, and development initiatives. The President praised the army’s role in ensuring public safety and protecting national sovereignty. He expressed hope that the army would continue supporting people during crises. The army chief also mentioned ongoing coordination with civil administration for various assistance programs.READ FULL

Border Guard Bangladesh detained 10 Bangladeshis, including a suspected human trafficker, attempting to illegally cross into India. The arrests occurred in separate raids in Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts. Those detained included families and individuals from various regions. All detainees were handed over to local police and charged under the Passport Act. BGB officials have increased border patrols to combat human trafficking and other illegal border activities.READ FULL

Two people died in Sherpur, Bangladesh, after being swept away by floodwaters. Rahija Begum, 40, drowned while seeking safety with her baby, who survived. Idris Ali, 75, was swept away while returning home. Local authorities confirmed the deaths. Fire Service and Civil Defence, along with volunteers, have begun rescue operations for those trapped in hilly areas due to the flooding.READ FULL

A recent study reveals alarming air pollution levels in Dhaka, Bangladesh, posing severe health and economic risks. Particulate matter concentrations consistently exceed safety guidelines, especially in winter. Rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, and industrial emissions are major contributors. The study urges immediate action, including stricter emission standards and better urban planning. Air pollution caused losses of up to $13 billion in 2019, equivalent to 4.4% of Bangladesh’s GDP.READ FULL

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will visit Dhaka on Friday for a four-hour stay, marking the first head-of-government visit since Bangladesh’s interim government formation. He will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to discuss bilateral relations, trade, investment, and the Rohingya issue. A 58-member delegation will accompany him. Malaysia, Bangladesh’s 8th largest investor with over $5 billion investment, seeks to strengthen ties further.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Met Office has issued local cautionary signal No. 3 for the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra due to deep convection over the North Bay of Bengal. All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay area have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.READ FULL

Egypt has invited Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to attend the upcoming D-8 Summit in 2024. Egyptian Ambassador Omar Mohie Eldin Ahmed Fahmy conveyed the invitation during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. The diplomats discussed strengthening bilateral relations as both countries prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. They identified agriculture, petrochemicals, textiles, and shipping as key areas for cooperation.READ FULL

A mill owner in Natore, Bangladesh, received a shockingly inflated electricity bill of Tk1.52 crore (15.2 million taka) instead of his usual monthly charge of around Tk15,000. After facing initial rudeness from billing staff, he escalated the issue to senior management. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board apologized and issued a corrected bill of Tk16,620. Officials are now taking disciplinary action against those responsible for the billing error.READ FULL

The US State Department has called for thorough investigations into civilian deaths during recent protests and subsequent crackdowns in Bangladesh. Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the need for full accountability for those responsible. The US also stressed the importance of upholding press freedoms in Bangladesh and globally, responding to concerns about media rights in the country.READ FULL

Elahi Dad Khan has been appointed as the new secretary to the Ministry of Food. Khan, who started his career as a magistrate before working in banking, joined the food cadre in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) in 1982. He has spent the majority of his professional life in this sector, culminating in his appointment to this senior government position.READ FULL

A fire erupted on the BSC vessel ‘Banglar Jyoti’ at Patenga, Chattogram, following an explosion around 11 am Thursday. The ship, docked at Eastern Refinery’s Dolphin Jetty, was carrying petroleum. Eight fire service units, along with Coast Guard, Navy, and Eastern Refinery teams, are battling the blaze. All crew members were safely evacuated, but the fire remains uncontrolled. The incident caused panic in the area as thick black smoke billowed into the sky. No casualties have been reported.READ FULL

Flood conditions persist in Teesta shoal areas of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts in Bangladesh, despite receding water levels. Prolonged rainfall and upstream water from India caused the Teesta river to overflow. Over 60,000 people from 15,000 families remain stranded across multiple unions in both districts. Water Development Board officials report that the Teesta’s water level began receding last night, now flowing below danger levels at key points. Other rivers in the area are also below danger levels.READ FULL

Seven people died from lightning strikes in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts of Bangladesh on Sunday. Three fatalities occurred in Sylhet, including a farmer and a college student. In Sunamganj, four individuals lost their lives while fishing during a storm. An additional person was electrocuted in Bishwambharpur. Local police officials confirmed the incidents. The victims were struck in various locations, including agricultural fields and a haor (wetland ecosystem). These tragic events highlight the danger of lightning strikes during storms in the region.READ FULL

The Forest Department has temporarily closed Khoiyachora waterfall in Chattogram’s Mirsarai upazila to tourists following a fatal accident involving a banker. The closure, announced by forest ranger Ashraful Alam, is due to adverse weather and ongoing renovations. Tourists are advised to use guides when visiting other waterfalls in the area. The Mirsarai and Sitakunda hilly regions, popular for their waterfalls, attract hundreds of visitors daily, especially during monsoon. This measure aims to prevent accidents and ensure tourist safety.READ FULL

Rising river levels in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts due to heavy rains are raising flood concerns. The Teesta river is flowing above danger level at Kaunia Point, while approaching danger levels at other points. Low-lying areas and char lands are already inundated. Although most rivers in Kurigram remain below danger levels, officials warn the situation could worsen if the Teesta continues to rise. Six unions in Kurigram are at risk of flooding as authorities monitor the situation closely.READ FULL

The Rangamati district administration has advised tourists to avoid visiting Sajek until September 30 due to recent unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Initially, the advisory was from September 25 to 27, but it has been extended. Sajek is currently devoid of tourists. This decision follows violent incidents on September 20 in Rangamati town and parts of Khagrachhari, which resulted in four deaths and at least 72 injuries. The administration aims to ensure visitor safety during this period of tension.READ FULL

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the UN, discussing the Rohingya crisis investigation. Khan plans to visit Bangladesh soon and praised Yunus’s three-point proposal for resolving the crisis. The proposal includes a UN-led conference, revitalizing the humanitarian response plan, and intensifying efforts for justice. Yunus inquired about filing a case regarding the July-August uprising in Bangladesh. Khan confirmed Bangladesh could file a complaint at the ICC, following specific legal procedures.READ FULL

UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi calls for a new approach to the Rohingya crisis, urging more international support. He met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in New York, discussing increased global interest and funding for the crisis. Yunus emphasized the need for a quick solution, especially for Rohingya children. Separately, ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo offered support for Bangladesh’s labour reforms, which Yunus sees as crucial for attracting foreign investment and transforming Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub.READ FULL

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. Yunus ruled out running in the upcoming election. He mentioned that reform commissions have been formed and will submit reports by December 31. At a climate event in New York, Yunus criticized the current economic system, saying it’s key to planetary destruction. He argued that developing countries shouldn’t bear the burden of climate damage caused by wealthier nations.READ FULL

Bangladesh reported three more dengue deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total fatalities to 141 this year. Additionally, 829 new patients were hospitalized, with 352 in Dhaka city alone. Currently, 2,931 patients are receiving treatment nationwide. Since January 1, 2024, there have been 25,701 dengue cases. This follows 2023’s record-breaking year, which saw 1,705 deaths and over 321,000 cases, marking it as the deadliest dengue outbreak in the country’s history.READ FULL

Border Guard Bangladesh detained Indian citizen Md Mozaffar Hossain, 48, for illegally crossing the border in Lalmonirhat. Acting on a tip-off, BGB intercepted two suspicious individuals 600 yards inside Bangladesh. When questioned, one fled back to India while Hossain was apprehended. Initially claiming to be Bangladeshi, he later admitted his Indian citizenship. Hossain was handed over to local police, and a case has been filed for illegal entry into Bangladesh.READ FULL

A Dhaka court granted a seven-day remand for Mashiur Rahman, former deputy commissioner of the Detective Branch, in connection with teenager Abdul Motalib’s killing during a student uprising. The court denied bail for Rahman, who was arrested on September 19. The case, filed by Motalib’s father, accuses 176 people, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other high-profile politicians. Motalib was shot dead during an anti-discrimination protest on August 4.READ FULL

World Bank President Ajay Banga announced $3.5 billion in support for Bangladesh’s interim government’s reform initiatives. The announcement came during a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN General Assembly in New York. The support includes $2 billion in fresh lending and $1.5 billion repurposed from existing programs. The World Bank will focus on supporting reforms in digitization, liquidity, energy, power, and transport sectors. Yunus requested creative lending programs from the World Bank to support the government’s wide-ranging reforms.READ FULL