Category: Bangladesh

The first cold run of a diesel generator at Unit 1 of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh has been completed. The test, conducted in two stages, is part of the commissioning process for this critical safety system. Rosatom, the Russian contractor, emphasized the importance of quality control and testing. The plant will have two units with a total capacity of 2,400 MW, using Russian VVER-1200 reactors. The project aims to provide reliable and safe nuclear power for over 100 years.READ FULL

Ananta Garments and Ananta Sports Wear in Ashulia, Bangladesh, have temporarily suspended 120 workers, citing illegal activities during recent protests. The suspension notice sparked anger, with hundreds of workers protesting outside the factories. Workers claim the dismissals violate a recent agreement between the government, factory owners, and workers. The company’s managing director denies dismissals, stating workers were suspended for threats and causing financial losses. Labor representatives argue the suspensions are illegal and demand reinstatement of the workers.READ FULL

Garment owners in Bangladesh have agreed to accept 18 demands from workers, including raising the attendance bonus by Tk 225 and implementing minimum wage across all factories by October. The decision came after discussions between owners and workers at a government meeting. Other concessions include increased night shift pay, meal allowances, and addressing issues like biometric blacklisting and political cases against workers. Committees will be formed to review minimum wage regulations and amend labor laws by December 2024.READ FULL

A report by the National Girl Child Advocacy Forum reveals alarming statistics for Bangladesh in the first eight months of 2024: 224 girls raped, 81 killed, and 133 suicides. The forum presented these findings at a press conference, highlighting various forms of violence against girls. They outlined 11 demands to improve girls’ safety, including new legislation, faster judicial processes, stricter enforcement, and increased social awareness. The forum stressed the need for united efforts from government, civil society, and families to protect girls’ rights and safety.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriate Welfare plans to offer VIP-like services to remittance senders at airports, excluding lounge access. Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul announced this initiative, initially targeting Middle Eastern workers, with plans to expand to European workers later. The services will include assistance with luggage, check-in, and immigration processes. An expatriate welfare desk will be established to guide workers through airport procedures. The ministry aims to implement these changes within the next month, maintaining zero tolerance for non-compliance.READ FULL

The Commission of Inquiry investigating enforced disappearances in Bangladesh has extended its complaint submission deadline to October 10. Victims, families, and witnesses can file complaints about incidents occurring between January 2009 and August 2024. Submissions are accepted in person, by phone, or email on working days from 10:30am to 4pm. The commission advises making appointments via the provided hotline before submitting complaints. This extension from the previous September 30 deadline aims to gather more information on enforced disappearance cases.READ FULL

Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has been placed on a four-day remand by a Dhaka court in connection with the death of 16-year-old Mohammad Ismamul Haque during August protests. The victim’s brother filed a murder case against 27 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Mamun, arrested on September 3, claims innocence. He has been shown arrested in this case and 12 other murder cases. The court rejected his bail plea, granting remand for questioning.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has ordered banks to freeze accounts belonging to Anisuzzaman Chowdhury Ronny, former director of United Commercial Bank (UCB) and brother of ex-land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed. The freeze, initially for 30 days, also applies to accounts of Ronny’s wife and daughter. This action follows last month’s dissolution of UCB’s board by Bangladesh Bank, which resulted in Ronny and his family members losing control over the bank. The move suggests ongoing financial investigations into the family.READ FULL

Approximately 1,500 tourists are stranded in Sajek, Rangamati, for four days without power, food, or water following a clash in Dighinala on September 18. The area lacks mobile networks and electricity due to damage to the power station. Local authorities and the army are working to resolve the crisis. Some tourists have resorted to drinking water from waterfalls. A few wealthier visitors have managed to leave by private helicopters. Officials advise against travel until the blockade is lifted.READ FULL

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) discovered a firearm and ammunition in Gulshan’s garbage pile near Manarat University yesterday. The find includes a Walther PPK 7.65 pistol, various rounds of ammunition, and shotgun cartridges. The recovery was made around noon near checkpost-10. DMP has initiated a legal investigation into the incident. This unexpected discovery highlights ongoing security concerns and the importance of vigilance in urban areas.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicts the current mild to moderate heatwave affecting parts of the country may subside in some areas within 24 hours. The heatwave is currently impacting Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh divisions, and Sylhet and Jashore districts. Light to moderate rain with gusty winds is expected in many areas, with some heavy falls. The highest temperature yesterday was 39.4°C in Saidpur, while the lowest was 23.5°C in Srimangal and Feni. Feni recorded 54mm rainfall in the past 24 hours.READ FULL

A Chinese National Emergency Medical Team has arrived in Dhaka to treat people injured during the July-August mass upsurge in Bangladesh. The team, comprising experts from West China Hospital, was welcomed by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and health official Sheikh Sayidul Haque. Invited by the interim government, this is the first foreign medical team to arrive since its establishment. Ambassador Yao highlighted the strong bilateral relations and promised further assistance based on Bangladesh’s needs. Haque expressed gratitude for China’s support.READ FULL

Over 800 tourists are stranded in Sajek, Rangamati, due to a transport strike and a 72-hour blockade following recent violence in Khagrachhari and Rangamati hill districts. Indigenous people in Dhaka announced the blockade in protest of the violence. Simultaneously, transport owners and workers in Rangamati called an indefinite strike, protesting attacks on their staff and vandalism of vehicles during the incident. Indra Chakma, owner of Hillview Resort in Sajek, confirmed the number of stranded tourists.READ FULL

A Dhaka court placed former railways minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan on a five-day remand in a case related to the death of Rafiqul Islam during quota reform protests. The investigation officer sought a 10-day remand, claiming Sujan was aware of the violence. Sujan denied involvement, alleging conspiracy. He was shown arrested on September 17 despite not being named in the initial report. Rafiqul was shot on July 19 and died the next day at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will lead a smaller 57-member delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly, traveling on a commercial flight instead of a chartered one. This marks a departure from previous years’ large delegations, which were criticized for high costs. The Chief Adviser will spend three days in New York, meeting with various world leaders and officials. No meeting is planned with Indian PM Modi due to conflicting schedules. The government aims to reduce unnecessary expenses for the trip.READ FULL

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized weapons, ammunition, drones, and signal jammers during an operation in Ruma, Bandarban. The raid targeted a terrorist hideout in a remote border area. BGB recovered various firearms, live ammunition, advanced surveillance equipment, and communication devices. They also found and destroyed observation posts, trenches, temporary armories, resting areas, and a cookhouse. The operation was conducted based on intelligence about hill-based criminals setting up a camp in the dense forest near the border.READ FULL

Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin met with Argentine Ambassador Marcelo Cesa to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. They emphasized developing a roadmap for multi-sectoral engagement, including trade within MERCOSUR. The ambassador proposed Foreign Office Consultations and requested Bangladesh to reopen its embassy in Buenos Aires. Both sides expressed interest in collaborating on trade, agriculture, energy, sports, and education. The ambassador commended Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Shared football enthusiasm was noted as a bridge between the nations.READ FULL

154 undocumented Bangladeshi migrants were repatriated from Libya today, arriving at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The operation was coordinated by the foreign ministry, Bangladesh mission in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). IOM provided each returnee with 6,000 Taka, food, medical care, and temporary accommodation. This repatriation is part of ongoing efforts by the Bangladesh government and IOM to bring home nationals stranded in Libya without legal documents, ensuring their safe and dignified return.READ FULL

Bangladesh Betar officials met to discuss reinstating its Urdu service, following a request from listed artists. The meeting, announced on the Betar website, was held last Thursday. No final decision has been made yet. Currently, Betar’s external services department broadcasts daily in Bengali, English, Arabic, Hindi, and Nepali via shortwave, mobile app, and website. The aim is to promote Bangladesh’s image, government initiatives, and cultural heritage globally.READ FULL

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will lead a delegation of about 20 to the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, departing on September 24. The delegation includes Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan. Yunus is expected to address the UNGA on September 27, discussing government reforms, economic plans, the Rohingya crisis, and climate change. This visit is seen as a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to engage with the international community. Yunus will return to Dhaka on the same day as his address.READ FULL

Dhaka University’s Syndicate has suspended all political activities by teachers, students, and staff on campus until further notice. The decision was made unanimously at an emergency meeting. A committee will be formed to consider expert opinions on potentially banning campus politics permanently. This move follows demands from the Anti-discrimination Students Movement during recent quota reform protests. Student organization leaders have criticized the decision as undemocratic and unconstitutional. The suspension comes after recent student protests demanding an end to partisan politics on campus.READ FULL

The Bangladesh government has terminated the contractual appointment of Major General (retd) Md Siddiqur Rahman as the chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha (Rajuk), the capital development authority. The decision was announced in a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration, citing Article 8 of the contract between the government and Rahman. The termination is effective immediately and has been implemented in the public interest. This sudden change in leadership at Rajuk marks a significant development in the management of Dhaka’s urban planning and development.READ FULL

At least 30 homes and businesses belonging to indigenous people were set on fire in Khagrachhari’s Dighinala upazila. The attacks followed the death of a Bangali man in a mob beating. Tensions escalated when Bangali settlers protested the killing, leading to clashes with indigenous people. Witnesses report fleeing to forests as shops and houses were torched. Police and army are working to control the situation, with joint patrols underway. The incident has heightened tensions between hill dwellers and Bangali settlers in the area.READ FULL

Md Fazlur Rahman, an additional secretary in the water supply division, has been appointed as the new managing director of Dhaka WASA. This temporary assignment was announced in a notification from the Local Government Division. Rahman replaces Taqsem A Khan, who resigned on August 14 after serving as Dhaka WASA’s managing director for 15 years. The change in leadership marks a significant transition for the water supply and sewerage authority in Bangladesh’s capital city.READ FULL

A Dubai-bound passenger, Md Jakir Hossain, was detained at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport by NSI and CIID officials. He was found carrying undeclared foreign currency worth approximately Tk 2.44 crore, including Saudi Riyal and UAE Dirham. Hossain, who frequently traveled to Middle Eastern countries, is suspected of involvement in hundi transactions. He will face money laundering charges and be handed over to the police.READ FULL

Bimal Kar, a member of the Swadhin Bangla football team during Bangladesh’s liberation war, passed away at 83 in a Dhaka hospital. Kar, who played for various clubs and was involved with Chittagong’s football scene, had been suffering from age-related complications. He received a guard of honour at the Bangladesh Football Federation. His funeral is scheduled at Rajarbag Kalibari Temple. Kar is survived by his wife and four children.READ FULL

Singapore’s Financial Intelligence Unit has requested details about S Alam Group and its owners from Bangladesh’s Financial Intelligence Unit. This follows revelations about the group’s $1 billion business empire in Singapore, built without central bank approval. After losing control of six banks in Bangladesh, S Alam Group faces strict measures, including account freezes. The group has appealed for government support to recover losses caused by these restrictions.READ FULL

Md Fazlur Rahman, an additional secretary in the water supply division, has been appointed as the temporary managing director of Dhaka WASA. This follows the resignation of Taqsem A Khan, who held the position for 15 years. The Local Government Division made the appointment to ensure smooth operations and successful implementation of ongoing projects, in accordance with the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority Act of 1996.READ FULL

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL) announced that Kazipara Metro Rail Station will resume operations tomorrow, Friday. DMTCL Managing Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf made this statement during a press briefing at the company’s headquarters in Dhaka today. The reopening of the station is expected to improve public transportation services in the area.READ FULL

A Dhaka court placed former law minister Anisul Huq and former PM’s adviser Salman F Rahman on a five-day remand each in a foreign exchange regulation case. They were arrested on August 13 while fleeing the capital, carrying various foreign currencies and multiple passports. The police filed a case against them on September 13. The court rejected their bail application and approved the remand to investigate the source of the foreign currencies they possessed.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s telecom regulator BTRC failed to collect Tk 69 crore ($6.3 million) from Banglalink for selling 2,000 mobile towers to Summit Towers. According to regulations, companies must pay 5.5% of the sales price when transferring assets. The BTRC is investigating why charges weren’t imposed on the Tk 1,100 crore ($101 million) deal. Banglalink says it will work with BTRC to understand the dues. Experts urge revisiting such fees, arguing they could discourage foreign investment in Bangladesh’s telecom sector.READ FULL

A seven-member committee, led by DMTCL Director Md Abdul Baquee Miah, has been formed to investigate the 11-hour suspension of metro rail services on the Agargaon-Motijheel section in Dhaka. The disruption, caused by a displaced bearing pad near Farmgate Station, lasted from 9:40am to 8:25pm. The committee is expected to submit its report within five working days. While service continued from Uttara to Agargaon, the Agargaon to Uttara section remained closed to passengers during this period.READ FULL

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s traffic division conducted operations against traffic rule violators on Tuesday. They filed 292 cases and collected Tk 11.58 lakh in fines. Thirty-nine vehicles were impounded, and 15 were towed. A DMP official stated that 4,000 traffic personnel are working at 339 points across Dhaka to maintain traffic discipline. This crackdown demonstrates the authorities’ efforts to enforce traffic rules and improve road safety in the capital city.READ FULL

Heavy rains have flooded 26 villages in Abhaynagar upazila, Bangladesh, affecting 8,500 people. Homesteads, croplands, and fish enclosures are submerged, with water levels reaching chest height in some areas. Fourteen shelters have been opened for evacuees. Local officials report significant damage to fish farms and crops, with losses estimated at over 5.23 crore taka. The Water Development Board is operating pumps to mitigate flooding, and a 47.65 crore taka project is underway to permanently resolve the waterlogging issue.READ FULL

A new cargo vehicle terminal in Benapole, Jessore, is set to open in October, accommodating up to 1,500 trucks. The Tk329 crore project aims to reduce traffic congestion and boost government revenue. The terminal includes modern facilities like parking yards, cargo buildings, and a fire station. Port officials and local business leaders expect it to significantly improve efficiency, reduce unloading delays, and enhance trade between Bangladesh and India. The project director assured high construction standards and anticipates increased port capacity and revenue.READ FULL