Category: National

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National

Voting begins in 12th parliamentary election 2024

12th-national-election 2024
Voting begins in 12th national election

The 12th Parliamentary Election started this morning in the midst of a boycott from 16 political parties, including the main opposition BNP.

The voting began at 8:00 am in tight security throughout the country and will continue without interruption until 4:00 pm.

BSS reports that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will vote in the Dhaka City College Centre at 8 am.

Voters eligible to vote for 300 members of parliament include 11,93,33 157 voters — 6,05,92 169 males and 5,87,40 140 females — and Hijra 8,48.

The Election Commission has decided to postpone voting in Naogaon-2 due to the death of Aminul Islamic, an independent candidate.

Voters will be able to cast their votes at 42,024 voting centers in government and non-government institutions throughout the country.

It is expected that Sheikh Hasina will win a record-breaking fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister.

There are 1,969 candidates in total, including 1,532 candidates from 28 parties and 437 Independents.

The candidates are divided into 266 members of the ruling AL and 265 members of the Jatiyo Party.

In the elections, 90 candidates are female, and 79 are from ethnic minorities and other groups.

The EC announced earlier that a sufficient number of law enforcement officers had been deployed throughout the country to ensure voter safety so they could go to the polling stations, exercise their franchise, and return safely to home.

Around 8 lakh law enforcement personnel, including 182,091 police officers and Rapid Action Battalion members (RAB), 1,155 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 505,788 Ansar, VDP, and Coast Guard members, have been assigned the task of ensuring security at the elections.

On Wednesday, members of the armed services were deployed to help the local civil administration conduct the general elections in a fair, peaceful, and free manner.

The Army is performing its duties in 62 districts, while the Navy has been deployed to two coastal districts – Bhola and Barguna – and 19 upazilas.

The Air Force also assists in remote areas of the country with helicopters.

The deployment of members of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies will continue until January 10 in order to maintain law and security before, during, and after election day.

Vote at the polling stations: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has today asked the people to vote at the polling stations.

Three minutes after the 12th Parliamentary Election began, the Awami League president spoke after she cast her ballot in Dhaka’s City College.

“We have struggled and suffered a great deal for this right to vote. This election will take place in a fair and free manner. She told journalists that she wanted the people to cooperate. “Vote for boat.

Hasina claimed that her government had created an atmosphere conducive to voting despite all the “obstacles” and “anarchy” created by BNP or Jamaat.

We will form a government with the mandate of the people, and “Boat” will win. “We have the confidence of the people.”

Hasina was accompanied by her daughter Saima at the polls. She voted at 8:03 am.

I don’t have any information about the voter turnout: CEC.

The Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal refused to comment on the voter turnout when he spoke to journalists today outside a voting center in Dhaka’s Shantinagar.

After voting at around 8:30 am, he spoke to the media.

The CEC, however, said that he felt good about the voting beginning in the country.

He said, “I’ll ask you to show the transparency in voting.”

When asked about the low voter turnout, CEC replied, “I do not know.” I am responsible for arranging voting but will not comment on voter turnout at this time.

Transport strike in Bangladesh

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Breaking National

30 killed, over 550 injured in Chittagong Shitakundo district at BM Container depot fire

bm-container-depot-fire
container depot in chittagong

At least 33 people have been killed in a fire at a BM Container Depot in Chittagong’s Shitakundo district. More than four hundred plus have been burnt caused by an explosion at a private Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Sitakunda upazila in Chittagong.

Although the fire started a few hours later, it has not been brought under control yet. Eight units of the fire service are working to control the fire.

container depot in #Chittagong

The fire broke out at BM Container Depot in Bhatiari area of ​​Sitakunda Upazila around 11pm on Saturday (June 4).

Faruk Hossain Sikder, assistant director of Agrabad Fire Service, told banglanews that eight of our units were working after receiving the news of the incident. After the fire broke out, the container exploded, causing the fire to spread rapidly due to the chemicals present there. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

container depot in Chittagong

According to the locals, several people living in the container depot have been sent to Chittagong Medical College in critical condition.

container depot in Chittagong

Volunteer Nesar Ahmed said the firefighters were rushed to the spot by several ambulances. The fire is still burning. The fire service is trying. Local people are also helping to put out the fire.

container depot in Chittagong

After the blaze, BM authorities said they could not confirm the cause of the blaze. However, it is believed that the fire started from the container. Arrangements are being made for the injured to get maximum treatment. We will bear the full cost of treatment. Those who have suffered casualties in this accident will be given maximum compensation. Besides, the families of all the victims will be taken care of.

container depot in Chittagong

Istakul Islam, chief of the Health & Service Department at Red Crescent Youth Chittagong, told Dhaka Tribune: “Over 450 people have been injured in this incident of which, at least 350 are at CMCH. The death toll could be more at other hospitals.”

container depot in Chittagong

Hospitals and clinics in Chittagong require emergency blood following fire at the inland container depot. #Chittagong is Bangladesh’s commercial capital and hub for major shipment. Fire has been blazing for over 5 hours with several reported injured and killed. #PrayForChittagong

container depot in chittagong

The body is being taken for autopsy and DNA test will be done

Chawkbazar Zone Assistant (AC) Commissioner Shahidul Islam said DNA tests have been arranged to identify the body. He said the Panchlaish police are preparing an inquest and sending the body to Chittagong Medical College (CMC) morgue for autopsy. There, DNA will be collected for identification. The bodies of those whose relatives are missing will be handed over after DNA testing.

container depot in Chittagong

BM Container Depot, a Dutch-Bangladeshi joint venture, was set up as an inland container depot which is operating from May 2011, one of 19 such ICDs in Chattogram.

The chairman of the depot is Dutch businessman Bert Pronk, who has other investments too in Bangladesh, while the managing director is Mustafizur Rahman of the Smart Group of Industries.

Let us pray for the people affected by the Shitakundo fire at BM Depot in Chittagong, firefighters, doctors, police, and all those who took part in the rescue operation. We extend a helping hand in any way we can.

Oh Allah, protect us.

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National

Transport strike over fuel price rise: As usual, commuters are the ones who suffer.

transit strike
transport strike in bangladesh 2021

This morning, a nationwide strike was called by transport workers to protest the rising prices of diesel and Kerosene.

Manikganj had no buses or trucks carrying goods on its highway Dhaka-Aricha. Other diesel-powered vehicles were also stopped from the area at that time.

Many commuters faced difficulties because of the shortage of public transport. Our Manikganj correspondent reports that most of them didn’t know about the strike.

Sathi Akhter, a student hailing from Jagir in the district, said that she was going to Dhaka for a job interview today. However, she couldn’t manage a vehicle after waiting four hours at the bus stop.

transport strike in bangladesh 2021

“I’ve been waiting since 6 a.m. I need the job. Who will pay for my loss?” She spoke to our correspondent while she was speaking.

Abdur Razzak, Manikganj’s city, said that he and his wife waited to travel to Savar since the early hours of the morning. There was no transportation.

There was no restriction on private cars, CNG-run automobilerickshaws, motorcycles and rickshaws being operated on the roads.

Cumilla was in a similar position. In the district, buses and trucks were not allowed to operate. Our local correspondent reports that transport movement along the Dhaka–Chattogram highway was still halted.

Yesterday, the District Road Transport Owners’ Group announced that there will be a transport strike on the roads at a press conference.

Chattogram commuters could be seen waiting at bus stops since the morning. Our staff correspondent reports that not one bus was seen waiting to board.

Tamalika Mitra, her younger brother Shyamal Mitra, visited their aunt’s home in the city’s Jamal Khan neighborhood yesterday from Hathazari upazila to celebrate Dipaboli.

Tamalika, who was waiting at Muradpur for a bus, said “We have been waiting there for an hour but it isn’t there.”

transport strike in bangladesh 2021

She said, “We must go back today because my brother, an eighth grader, must prepare for his school’s final examination.”

Because there were no public transport options, passengers were forced to pay twice the normal fare by rickshaws or CNG-run-auto Rickshaws.

Many commuters were angry at their sufferings.

Ali Hossain (deputy commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Traffic), north zone said that legal action would be taken against drivers who will make additional fare for passengers. He said that “our officials are working in various areas to investigate it.”

The ongoing strike was also affecting commuters in Savar, a slum outside of Dhaka.

Reports from Savar: Several passengers were unhappy with the way public transport workers demanded excessive fare on their regular route.

After waiting more than an hour at Savar Bus Stand, Ashikur Rahman was able to board a bus to Gabtoli.

Ashikur stated that he had to pay TK 100 for the trip, which is TK 35 on normal days.

Commuters traveling to Paturia were also seen waiting at the Nabinagar Bus Stand for a while.

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International National World

Happy Mother’s Day 2021: Wishes, images, quotes, status, messages, cards and photos

mothers-day-2021
mothers-day-2021

Happy Mother’s Day 2021 Wishes, images, quotes, status, messages, cards: This year, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on May 9. You can share with your mother these quotes and messages, especially if you are unable to be with her on this special day.

Happy Mother's Day 2021 Wishes Images
Happy Mother’s Day 2021 Wishes Images (Source: Canva, images designed by Abhishek Mitra)

Happy Mother’s Day 2021 Wishes, images, quotes, status, messages: Celebrated to honour mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds, this day began in the United States at the initiative of Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century, although many traditional celebrations did exist over thousands of years in several cultures. This year, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on May 9.

While a single day is not enough to show gratitude to a mother, children can use this occasion to do something special for their moms, to show how much she is loved and respected. You can share with your mother these quotes and messages, especially if you are unable to be with her on this special day. Pick you favourite from these:

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Asia Business and Economy National

Bangladesh is the world’s best in readymade garments.

Corono epidemic

Despite the Corona epidemic, Bangladesh has overtaken Vietnam to become the second largest exporter of ready-made garments in the country. China is at the top as always. This history of rising to second place is not new to Bangladesh. In the 50th year of independence, the garment industry of Bangladesh is now dreaming of a new one.

Entrepreneurs

In addition to eco-friendly green factories, the entrepreneurs of this industry want to export garments made of a new yarn. Bangladesh is dreaming of overtaking China to become the top garment exporter by producing man-made synthetic fibers or man-made fiber garments instead of the traditional cotton yarn.


Over the past decade, exports from India and Pakistan, two of the largest economies in South Asia, have declined, but at the same time, exports of ready-made garments to Bangladesh have increased by 80 per cent. According to BGMEA, the industry, which started just four decades ago, now has a total of 2,300 ready-made garment factories.

Of these, BGMEA has 874 factories. In addition, 135 eco-friendly green factories have been set up, 7 of which are in Bangladesh out of 10. Another 500 green factories have applied to the Green Building Council of the United States for recognition.

The industry, which started with 130 trainees under the late Nurul Quader Khan in the 1990-1991s, now has around half a crore workers. According to BGMEA, there were about 4 lakh workers in the garment factories in the 1990-91 financial year. And in 1996-97 financial year it increased to 13 lakhs. From 2002-03 to 2004-05 there were 20 lakhs.

Financial year

In the financial year 2008-09, the number of these workers increased to 35 lakhs. At present, there are about 4.4 million male and female workers in the sector, most of whom (about 70 per cent) are female workers, according to BGMEA.
On March 3, The Wall Street Journal praised Bangladesh’s economic success, saying that in 2011 Bangladesh’s per capita income was 40 percent lower than India’s.

Economic power

Bangladesh took over the country last year to make up for this shortfall. All in all, Bangladesh is now the emerging economic power of South Asia. Exports like South Korea, Vietnam and China are the main strengths of Bangladesh’s development. And one of the main sectors to increase this export is readymade garments.

One of the reasons behind the increase in garment exports is the huge number of women workers and low wages compared to other countries in the world. Such a presence of women in the labor force is not noticeable in the whole of South Asia.

Success


This success of the last four decades in readymade garments is showing new dreams to the garment entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs in the readymade garments sector are now planning to export garments made of man-made fiber or man-made synthetic fibers to take advantage of more investment.

On the one hand, it will create opportunities for foreign investment in the backward linkage industry of the garment sector, on the other hand, it will create opportunities to further increase export earnings by producing high-value garments. Concerned people said that after independence, Bangladesh’s export products were few. The country’s export income was mainly dependent on jute. For this reason it was called golden fiber.

Ready-made garment

The picture has been changing since the eighties. Entrepreneurs of the country found another gold. They started exporting garments made of cotton woven cloth. Garment factories are being set up one by one in the country. His next story is just a history of success. In 2021, the 50th year of independence, the ready-made garment sector has accounted for 80 per cent of the country’s total export earnings.

The industry is also at the forefront of the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ branding campaign going on abroad. Not only export sector, but also investment and employment sector is now at the top. But despite all this, the entrepreneurs are moving forward with the dream of becoming number one in the international world.

And to realize this dream, they want to set up man-made fiber factories as well as foreign investment in the backward linkage industry in the garment sector.

Entrepreneurs in the garment sector say that 84% of the garments made in Bangladesh are cotton based. Basically, 85 percent of the country’s products are made on five basic items. Again, to make these garments, at least 70 to 85 percent of the oven fabric has to be imported.

It is not possible to survive in the world market for a long time with a short variety of cotton based garments. For this, besides setting up man-made fiber factories, it is necessary to attract foreign investment in the backward linkage industry.

And the entrepreneurs argue to attract foreign investment in the backward linkage sector, (1) The country’s ready-made garment industry produces 4 lakh metric tons of jute products a year. By recycling this lie alone, if the initiative is taken to produce yarn, it is possible to save at least 4 billion US dollars in this sector; (2) Different types of spare parts are used in the readymade garment industry of the country.

In the 2018-19 financial year, 1,605 million US dollars was spent on the import of 28 types of parts. Foreign investment in this sector will save valuable foreign exchange; And (3) according to international market forecasts, the country’s textile chemical market, which was 84 million in 2019, could grow to ৮ 1.38 billion in 2024 by investing in man-made fiber.


According to the concerned, this future plan of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector has also been presented to the World Bank Group IFC. The international organization has promised to finance the strategic development of Bangladesh’s garment sector. Press conference of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers Exporters Association (BGMEA) at a virtual meeting of World Bank Group IFC recently

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National

Women and children are the main victims of the Corona epidemic: BNWLA

domestic violence in covid 19
domestic violence in covid 19

The level of violence against women and children in the Corona epidemic has increased every month. The form of violence is also changing with time and the main victims are women and children.

The Bangladesh National Association of Women Lawyers (BNWLA) has expressed deep concern over the dire situation.


The organization said this at a press conference at the National Press Club today. Advocate Salma Ali, the president of the organization, made several recommendations to stop the abuse of women and children.


Advocate Salma Ali said BNWLA lawyers are doing their best to provide legal assistance to women and children who have been abused and abused in the face of the epidemic. He made a number of recommendations to end violence against abused women and children.

These are: Women and children victims of rape should be kept at the center and they should be provided with comprehensive legal assistance. Proper investigation of cases using modern forensic technology should be ensured along with speedy trial and witness protection.


The investigation should be kept free from the interference of political and influential people. Law enforcement authorities must have trained staff at all levels. The High Court needs a separate court to expedite the trial of cases related to violence against women.


The number of tribunals can be increased to expedite the trial of human trafficking cases within the stipulated time. Ensure proper monitoring of the overall data storage of women and children with disabilities.

Ensuring non-discriminatory legal services for marginalized groups (transgender, disabled). An effective committee should be formed as per the directions of the high court to prevent sexual harassment in all workplaces including bus stations.

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National

25th largest economy by 2035

25th largest economy by 2035
25th largest economy by 2035

Bangladesh will become the 25th largest economy in the world by 2035, advancing from 41st place this year thanks to steady growth, a new report said.

According to the UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), the size of the economy will nearly treble to $855 billion in 2035 from $301 billion in 2020 in US dollar constant prices.

In current terms, Bangladesh will become more than a trillion-dollar economy before the period, showed the latest edition of the World Economic League Table of the think-tank.

In its annual league table on the growth prospects of 193 countries, the consultancy group said that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Bangladesh was able to escape a contraction in 2020. Read More

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National

‘Sadness of Jessore’ Bhabdahe waterlogging again, waterlogged thousands of people

infohubbd
infohubbd

Waterlogging has occurred again in the Bhabdaha area, known as the sorrow of Jessore. Meanwhile, thousands of people in several villages in the lower reaches of Abhaynagar, Keshabpur and Monirampur upazilas of Jessore district are living in dire straits due to waterlogging.

On Sunday and Monday, people from Andha, Bedvita, Dumurtala, Dahar Mashiyahati, Sundali, Chalishia, Sundali, Mashiyahati, Sarkhola and several other villages of Abhaynagar upazila of Bhabdaha area were seen making bamboo bridges on their backyards.

Cooking work has been seen to be done indoors, cattle have been taken to safe high places. Hundreds of fish ponds have even been washed away in these areas.

The fields of the educational institutions have been submerged in water. The locals are fearing a terrible waterlogging in the current season. They fear that they will have to leave their homes and take shelter on the streets like in 2016.

Residents of the affected areas further said, if such waterlogging occurs even after continuous rains this year, then what will be the situation here if it rains? I can’t think of that.

Hasan Ali Joyaddar, a resident of Bhabdaha area, told Jugantar that due to the whims of the Water Development Board (Paubo), part of the canals in these areas were dug unplanned and the other part was not completed.

He also complained that the waterlogging was becoming more permanent as the nets were not removed from the canals in the area and the fence owners were increasingly embanking the fence.

Samar Kumar Bawali, a resident of Dumurtala village in the upazila, said, “In the last three years, we have grown paddy in Eri, Boro and Aman seasons.” I have become self-sufficient by farming fish.

But this year, waterlogging has occurred due to non-removal of water from Amdanga canal, non-removal of net-pata of the canal and failure to properly remove silt from Shri and Hari rivers at Bhabdaha sluice gate.

The TRM project needs to be implemented to demand the lives of the people of Bhavadah affected by the waterlogging in the Bhavadah area. Many feel that it will be difficult to get rid of waterlogging if the TRM project is not implemented through the army.

In this regard, Abhaynagar Upazila Awami League general secretary Sardar Aliar Rahman told Jugantar that he was hopeful that the waterlogging in the Bhabdaha area would be removed if the TRM project was launched under the supervision of the army.

Tauhidul Islam, an engineer with the Water Development Board, told Jugantar that there is a big project with Bhabdaha, which is currently in the Planning Commission. At present, we are urgently doing something to prevent waterlogging in the Bhavadaha area.

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Business National

Credit card spending falls as consumers tighten belts

Credit card
Credit card

Spending through credit cards declined in September as consumers are still feeling the heat of the slower-than-expected economic recovery, while the threat of a second wave of coronavirus infections looms large.

Total card loans held by lenders stood at Tk 1,245 crore in September, down 19.78 per cent a month earlier, according to data from the central bank.

Transaction through credit cards, however, rose 23.68 per cent year-on-year. The volume stood at Tk 1,006 crore in September last year.

The spending using credit cards drastically went down in the second quarter of 2020 because of the strict restrictions on the movement imposed by the government to keep the deadly flu at bay.

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National

Bangladeshi teenager wins International Children’s Peace Prize 2020

Bangladeshi teenager wins
Bangladeshi teenager wins

Sadat Rahman, a 17-year old teenager from Narail, has won the International Children’s Peace Prize 2020. The award by Netherlands-based KidsRights Foundation is given every year to a child involved in promotion of children’s rights and protecting vulnerable children. The expert committee selected Sadat as the winner from 142 applicants from 42 countries.

Sadat was presented with the award today by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai during a ceremony in the Hague, the Netherlands. He was awarded the prize for his involvement in setting up a social organisation and mobile app “Cyber Teens” to stop cyberbullying and violence against children.

Last year, this award was won by climate activist Greta Thunberg. Malala Yousufzai herself  is a previous winner of the prestigious prize.

Sadat beat two other finalists – 12-year old Ivanna Ortega Serret from Mexico, who fought water pollution, and 18-year-old Siena Castellon from Ireland, who created a website to help pupils with autism and severe learning disabilities.

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