03-03-2022
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
thursdAy
DhAkA: March3, 2022; Falgun 18, 1428 BS; Rajab 29,1443 hijri
www.thebangladeshtoday.com; www.bangladeshtoday.net
Regd.No.DA~2065, Vol.19; N o. 300; 12 Pages~Tk.8.00
InternAtIonAl
New Zealand protesters
burn camp after riot
police move in
>Page 7
sports
Tigers seek redemption
in T20 series against
Afghanistan
>Page 9
Arts & Culture
Apu, Joy stars
in 'Trap : The
Untold Story'
>Page 10
Zohr
Ambulance paramedics move an injured man on a stretcher, wounded by shelling in a residential area, at
the maternity hospital converted into a medical ward and used. Russian strikes on the key southern port
city of Mariupol seriously wounded several people.
Photo : AP
Election duty must
be performed
properly: CEC
DHAKA : Newly appointed Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal
yesterday said the election duty should be
performed with honesty, devotion and
sincerity.
"We must be aware of our responsibilities.
We have to try our best. If we get
involved in any misdeed, it will be an
extreme corruption, which is unforgivable,"
he said while speaking at a discussion
at the auditorium of Nirbachan
Bhaban here marking the National Voters'
Day.
Election commissioners Rashida
Sultana, Md Ahsan Habib Khan, Md
Alamgir and Anisur Rahman were present
at the meeting with (EC) Secretariat
Secretary Humayun Kabir Khandaker in
the chair.
Awal urged the officials of the Election
Commission to perform their responsibilities
remaining free from any influence
and greed.
"Otherwise, it will be corruption."
"The importance of the Election
Commission is immense in the formation
of Parliament and the government. It's not
just a matter of proud. It's a matter of nurturing
consciousness", he added.
The CEC said the March 2 is the
National Voters' Day and the theme of the
day is 'the pledge of Mujib Year is to protect
the people's rights to vote'.
"It is not merely a statement but a commitment
of the commission. If you make a
promise, you have to keep it in your
heart….at least, we have to try. We may
not be successful, but we have to abide by
the constitutional obligation bestowed
upon us for ensuring the people's voting
rights," he said.
Awal said the EC will do everything possible
so that voters can exercise their rights
without facing any obstacle.
05:08 AM
12:15 PM
04:22 PM
06:05 PM
07:20 PM
6:21 6:01
Russian forces escalate
attacks on Ukraine's
civilian areas
KYIV, UKRAINE : Russian forces escalated
their attacks on crowded urban areas
Tuesday, bombarding the central square
in Ukraine's second-biggest city and Kyiv's
main TV tower in what the country's president
called a blatant campaign of terror,
reports UNB.
"Nobody will forgive. Nobody will forget,"
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
vowed after the bloodshed on the square
in Kharkiv.
Ukrainian authorities said five people
were killed in the attack on the TV tower,
which is a couple of miles from central
Kyiv and a short walk from numerous
apartment buildings. A TV control room
and power substation were hit, and at least
some Ukrainian channels briefly stopped
broadcasting, officials said.
Zelenskyy's office also reported a powerful
missile attack on the site of the Babyn Yar
Holocaust memorial, near the tower. A
spokesman for the memorial said a Jewish
cemetery at the site was damaged but the
extent would not be clear until daylight.
At the same time, a 40-mile (64-kilometer)
convoy of hundreds of Russian tanks
and other vehicles advanced slowly on
Kyiv in what the West feared was a bid by
Russian President Vladimir Putin to topple
Ukraine's government and install a
Kremlin-friendly regime.
Russian forces pressed their assault on
other towns and cities across the country,
including the strategic ports of Odesa and
Mariupol in the south.
Day 6 of the biggest ground war in
Europe since World War II found Russia
increasingly isolated, beset by tough sanctions
that have thrown its economy into
turmoil and left the country practically
friendless, apart from a few nations like
China, Belarus and North Korea.
Many military experts worry that Russia
may be shifting tactics. Moscow's strategy
in Chechnya and Syria was to use artillery
and air bombardments to pulverize cities
and crush fighters' resolve.
The bombing on the TV tower came after
Russia announced it would target transmission
facilities in the capital used by Ukraine's
intelligence agency. It urged people living
near such places to leave their homes.
Overall death tolls from the fighting
remained unclear, but a senior Western
intelligence official estimated that more
than 5,000 Russian soldiers have been
captured or killed. Ukraine has given no
overall estimate of troop losses.
Britain's Defense Ministry said it had
seen an increase in Russian air and
artillery strikes on populated urban areas
over the past two days. It also said three
cities - Kharkiv, Kherson and Mariupol -
were encircled by Russian forces.
In Kharkiv, with a population of about
1.5 million, at least six people were killed
when the region's Soviet-era administrative
building on Freedom Square was hit
with what was believed to be a missile.
UK donates 1m more Oxford-AZ
jabs doses to Bangladesh
DHAKA : The United Kingdom (UK) has
donated another one million doses of
Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine to
Bangladesh bilaterally.
The UK donated fresh consignment of
jabs arrived here on February 23, a British
High Commission press release said.
Prior to this, the UK donated over 4 million
doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to
Bangladesh in December 2021 through
COVAX facilities.
The vaccine donation would reinforce
Bangladesh's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic
as well as the country's economic
recovery that further strengthen "Brit
Bangla Bondhon" between the UK and
Bangladesh, said the High Commission.
"This support from the UK takes us one
step ahead to defeat the pandemic and further
strengthens our commitment to
stand with the people of Bangladesh to
recover faster and build a healthier and
prosperous future," said British High
Commissioner here Robert Chatterton
Dickson while receiving the fresh consignment
of inoculation.
Besides, the vaccine support, the UK's
Foreign Commonwealth and Development
Office (FCDO) created an enabling environment
for Bangladesh government to accelerate
and expand the vaccination program as
well as reduce the transmission of the infection
especially among the low-income people.
Since the pandemic started, the UK government
has reprioritised more than £55.9
million to fund Bangladesh's National
Preparedness and Response Plan to tackle
COVID-19 including support for Rohingya
refugees and the host communities.
Last year at the G7, the UK committed to
donate 100 million doses globally by June
this year, said the release.
Pry school students
return to campus
DHAKA : As physical classes resumed for
primary school students after yet another
Covid-induced closure, students were
excited to return to campus on Wednesday,
reports BSS.
All primary-level educational institutions
reopened on Tuesday after over a
month of closure due to a renewed surge
in Covid-19 cases largely due to the
Omicron strain. School staff, particularly
teachers, made an extra effort to give the
children a warm welcome, also ensuring
adherence to all Covid-safety protocols.
In view of the declining Covid cases
across Bangladesh, the government on
February 18 announced the resumption of
in-person classes at primary schools from
March 1. In-person classes at all secondary,
higher secondary and university-level educational
institutions resumed on February
22. On January 21, the government
announced the closure of all schools and
colleges in Bangladesh from January 21 to
February 6 amid the fresh surge in Covid-19
cases. The shutdown was extended till
February 20 for the safety of the students as
the virus continued to spread.
The following day, the Education
Ministry issued an 11-point directive,
including the resumption of online classes
for schools and colleges.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
BGMEA sees
challenges for trade
DHAKA : The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict
has emerged as a concern for the RMG
sector of Bangladesh, says the apex body of the
country's apparel industry on Wednesday.
Russia, a potential and emerging market
for Bangladesh RMG exports, has come
under a wide range of sanctions imposed
by a number of countries, said Bangladesh
Garment Manufacturers and Exporters
Association in a statement.
Especially blocking of Russian banks'
access to the SWIFT international payment
system appears to be a major challenge
for Bangladesh's trade, BGMEA
said. Bangladesh exported garments
worth US$ 593 million to Russia in 2020-
2021 fiscal year. BGMEA is now closely
observing the situation.
"We have advised our members to send
us information with regard to buyers they
are working with for exports to Russia,
overdue payments and details of the concerned
banks," said the BGMEA.
It also advised its members and exporters
to be in touch with their buyers and lien
banks and take necessary decisions based
on discussions with them. BGMEA has
also taken up the matter with the relevant
ministries of Bangladesh government,
particularly the Ministry of Commerce
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Schools, universities to
compensate students for
learning losses:Dipu Moni
DHAKA : Those who failed to get vaccinated
during the 3-day mass vaccination
campaign against Covid-19 can still get the
1st dose at permanent centers across the
country, said the Directorate General of
Health Services (DGHS) on Wednesday,
reports UNB.
"We have vaccinated a large number of
people with the first dose through the
campaign. Even though, those who
missed the chance to get vaccinated can
come to our permanent centers ," Dr Md
Shamsul Haque, member secretary of
Covid-19 Vaccine Management Taskforce
Committee, said at the daily briefing on
the pandemic situation.
One can get vaccinated after registration
or through showing National Identity
Card (NID), he added.
Dr Shamsul Haque said, "There are
many factories in different areas adjacent
to the capital including Savar, Keraniganj,
DHAKA : With schools and universities
reopening, Education Minister Dipu Moni
on Wednesday said she hoped the academic
institutions would compensate the
students for learning losses caused by the
Covid-induced closure, reports UNB.
"The students have been going through
mental trauma for the past two years. Now
with the educational institutions across
the country reopening, efforts will be
made tomake up for the learning losses,"
she said.
"Though it is not possible to recoup the
losses in one academic year, it can be minimised.
Better days are ahead," Dipu Moni
told reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration
ceremony of the book distribution
activities of classes XI and XII at
National Curricula and Textbook Board
(NCTB) headquarters yesterday morning.
"In-person classes for primary school
students resumed on Wednesday while
physical classes at all secondary, higher
secondary and university-level educational
institutions resumed earlier. We hope
we can soon return to normal academic
activities," she said.
Dipu Moni also urged the authorities concerned
to make up for the teaching losses
endured by those who passed this year's
HSC, through adequate assignments.
Describing the demand of the students
of seven DU-affiliated colleges for separate
universities as "illogical", she said, "The
problem will be resolved soon and the
authorities concerned are taking an initiative
to reduce the session jam. Exam
results will also be published soon."
Earlier in the day, junior students were
excited to return to campus as physical
classes resumed in primary schools after
yet another Covid-induced closure
All primary-level educational institutions
reopened on Tuesday after over a
month of closure due to a renewed surge
in Covid-19 cases largely due to the
Omicron strain.
School staff, particularly teachers, made
an extra effort to give the children a warm
welcome, also ensuring adherence to all
Covid-safety protocols.
In view of the declining Covid cases
across Bangladesh, the government on
February 18 announced the resumption of
in-person classes at primary schools from
March 1.
Vaccine seekers can get 1st dose
at permanent centers:DGHS
Narayanganj, Gazipur and many people
remained out of the vaccination programme
there. The local authorities concerned
were asked to extend the vaccination
programme if needed, he said.
"From February 17 to March 1, we have
been able to vaccinate 32 lakh people with
the first dose."
Besides, 1.07 lakh people were vaccinated
with the 2nd dose while one lakh
received the booster dose during this period,
Dr Shamsul Haque added.
The government took the initiative to
administer at least 10 million Covid-19
vaccine doses on February 26 to achieve
the target of vaccinating 90 percent of people
in the country.
No vaccine registration or birth registration
certificate was required to get vaccinated
against Covid during this campaign.
Later, this campaign was extended till
February 28.
ThuRsDAY, MARCh 3, 2022
2
Principal Robert Robin Marandi addressing an orientation program for the students of class eleven
of YMCA public school and college, Bogura.
Photo : TBT
NEC approves Tk 2,07,550
crore revised ADP
DHAKA : The National Economic
Council (NEC) on
Wednesday approved Tk
2,07,550 crore revised
Annual Development Programme
(RADP) for the
current fiscal year, downsizing
the original ADP outlay
of Tk 2,25,324 crore, reports
UNB.
The approval came at a
meeting of the NEC
presided over by NEC
Chairperson and Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina. She
joined it virtually from her
official residence Ganobhaban.
Other NEC members,
AvBGmwcAvi/wewea/108
02/03/22
GD-373/22 (7x3)
including ministers and secretaries
attended the meeting
from the NEC Conference
Room at Sher-e-Bangla
Nagar and the Cabinet Division's
Conference Room at
the Bangladesh Secretariat.
"The NEC endorsed the
RADP slashing the original
ADP by Tk 17,774 crore,"
said Planning Division Secretary
Pradip Ranjan
Chakraborty at a press briefing
after the NEC meeting.
He said the number of
projects in the RADP
increased to 1,770 from 1534
in the original ADP.
The funding from foreign
GD-367/22 (4x3)
sources saw a cut of Tk
17,774.23 crore to stand at
Tk 70,250 crore while the
funding from the local
sources remained almost
unchanged at Tk 1,37,300
crore.
However, considering the
RADP allocation of Tk
9,613.68 crore for the
autonomous bodies and
corporations, the overall
RADP allocation for the current
FYFY22 stood at Tk
2,17,163.68 crore.
In the last FY2020-21, the
RADP was Tk 1,97,643
crore, said the planning secretary.
Ex-UP member
crushed under
train in Bogura
BOGURA : A man was
crushed under the wheels of
a train in Bogura Sadar
upazila on Wednesday
morning, reports UNB.
The deceased was
identified as Rezaul Karim,
55, former member of
Shakaria union parishad
under Sadar upazila.
According to witnesses,
Bonarpara-bound Karatoya
Express train hit Rezaul near
Knowledge Harbor School
and College of the upazila
around 9:30 am when he
was crossing the rail tracks,
leaving him dead on the
spot.
It was not clear whether it
was an accident or a suicide
incident.
ASI Abdul Awal of Naruli
police outpost of Bogura
Sadar police station said that
the body was recovered by
railway police.
Germany's
Scholz visits
Israel amid
Ukraine war,
Iran talks
JERUSALEM : German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz on
Wednesday visited Israel for
the first time since taking
office, days after Russia's
invasion of Ukraine and amid
international efforts to forge a
new Iran nuclear deal.
He toured Jerusalem's Yad
Vashem Holocaust memorial
with Prime Minister Naftali
Bennett, laid a wreath and left
a message in the guest book
stressing Germany's historical
responsibility toward the
Jewish state.
"The mass murder of the
Jews was instigated by
Germany," he wrote. "It was
planned and carried out by
Germans. Consequently,
every German government
bears
permanent
responsibility for the security
of the state of Israel and the
protection of Jewish life."
Bennett welcomed Scholz,
saying that "the Shoah, the
methodical destruction of the
Jews, is a wound that is the
basis of the ties between
Germany and Israel. From
this wound we have built
strong and significant ties."
The two heads of
government-both relatively
new to office following many
years under the political
veterans Angela Merkel and
Benjamin Netanyahu- met as
rapidly moving world events
test their leadership.
They have diverged on their
responses to Russia's war in
Ukraine. Scholz's coalition
government reversed a ban on
sending weapons into conflict
zones and halted the Nord
Stream 2 gas pipeline project
between Russia and
Germany.
He also pledged 100 billion
euros ($113 billion) this year
to modernise Germany's army
and committed to spending
more than two percent of
Germany's gross domestic
product on defence annually,
surpassing even NATO's
target. Israel has taken a
more conservative approach
to the Ukraine crisis, citing
its warm ties with both Kyiv
and Moscow.
National govt needed to create election atmosphere: Zafrullah
DHAKA : Gonoshasthaya Kendra
founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury on
Wednesday advocated for the formation
of a national government for two years to
create the proper atmosphere for a fair
and credible election in the country,
reports UNB.
"I think a national government should
be established for at least two years. If it's
not done, democracy won't be restored
and a fair election won't be possible in
any way in the country," he said.
Speaking at a discussion, he said
Awami League will benefit much if the
national government is established in the
country. "Awami League will also have a
representative in that government.
Maybe Sheikh Rehana can be the
representative. But it's a matter of Awami
League," he said.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Rob)
arranged the discussion at the Jatiya
Press Club, marking the historic first flag
GD-369/22(5x4)
GD-372/22 (10x4)
hoisting day.
On March 2, 1971, then Vice President
of Dhaka University Central Students
Union (Ducsu) ASM Abdur Rob first
hoisted the country's flag adorned the
map of an independent Bangladesh at a
student gathering at Dhaka University.
About the probable format of the
national government, Dr Zafrullah, also a
freedom fighter, said all the major parties
will have representatives in it with some
notable citizens of the country.
He said the main objective of the
national government will be to establish
the truth and justice.
"If justice and fairness are established
in the country, then March 2, March 3
and March 7 will be observed officially,
and the true history of independence will
be known," Zafrullah observed.
Stating that one person did not liberate
Bangladesh, he said many people,
including Abdul Kader Siddique, Sirajul
Alam Khan, Ziaur Rahman and ASM
Abdur Rob, had contributions to it.
"A 30-year-old man, Abdur Rob, dared
hoist the flag at that time while Major
Ziaur Rahman declared independence on
behalf of Bangabandhu. Calling him (Zia)
a Pakistani spy and making derogatory
comments against him is a betrayal," he
observed.
Speaking at the programme, JSD
president Abdur Rob said the 'parasites'
and 'weeds' those who had no
contributions to the country's
independence are now in the government
and the cabinet. "They must be ousted
and thrown in the Bay of Bengal."
He said no national election will be
allowed to hold under the current Awami
League government since it remained in
power by indulging in 'vote robbery' at
night. "We don't accept this government.
They're thieves, robbers, murderers and
oppressors."
†kL nvwmbvi g~jbxwZ
MÖvg kn‡ii DbœwZ
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
3
The Flag Hoisting Day commemorating the hoisting of the first national flag of independent
Bangladesh was observed yesterday with due respect on Dhaka University campus. Photo : Courtesy
Flag Hoisting Day’ observed at DU
DHAKA : The Flag Hoisting Day
commemorating the hoisting of the first
national flag of independent Bangladesh
was observed yesterday with due respect
on Dhaka University campus.
On March 2, 1971, independent
Bangladesh's national flag, with a yellow
map of Bangladesh inside a red disc in a
green ambience, was hoisted amid
cheers from the spirited students at a
massive gathering on the vibrant Dhaka
University campus, reports BSS.
The then Vice-President (VP) of
Dhaka University Central Students'
Union (DUCSU) ASM Abdur Rab
hoisted the National flag of independent
Bangladesh on behalf of Swadhin
Bangla Chhatra Sangram Parishad at
the historic Bot-Tola premises.
Marking the historic day of Bangalee
nation, DU Vice-Chancellor (VC)
World Wildlife
Day today
DHAKA : The World Wildlife
Day will be observed on March
3 (Thursday) across the globe,
including Bangladesh, aiming
to create awareness about
endangered animals and plants
and ways to fight against
wildlife crime, reports BSS
To mark the day, the
Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change will
arrange a discussion at Ban
Bhaban here at 10.30 am today.
Environment, Forest and
Climate Change Minister Md
Shahab Uddin will join the
meeting as the chief guest,
while Chairman of
Parliamentary Standing
Committee on the ministry
Saber Hossain Chowdhury and
Environment, Forest and
Climate Change Secretary Md
Mustafa Kamal as special
guests. Wildlife trade is one of
the most profitable illicit trades
in the world, estimated at up to
US$ 10 billion annually. Illegal
wildlife trade of elephant ivory,
rhino horns, and tiger products,
is widespread in many
countries, particularly in Asia
and Africa.
Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman
inaugurated a programme on the Bot-
Tola premises adjacent to Arts Building
by playing the national anthem.
Dr Akhtaruzzaman flanked by DU
Pro-VC (Academic) Dr ASM Maksud
Kamal, DU Pro-VC (Administration) Dr
Moammad Samad, DU Teachers
Association (DUTA) president Dr
Rahmat Ullah, General Secretary Dr
Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan and others
hoisted the national flag of Bangladesh.
VC Akhtaruzzaman paid rich tribute
to father of the nation Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, national four
leaders, liberation war martyrs and the
DUCSU and students' leaders, who
gathered at the Bot-Tola to hoist the
national flag of Bangladesh on March
02, 1971.
"The role and influence of father of the
DHAKA : The UAE
Ambassador in Dhaka
Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi
yesterday said the food
processing industry in
Bangladesh is promising for
the UAE investors.
He made this remark
during a courtesy call on the
FBCCI President Jashim
Uddin at FBCCI Icon on
Wednesday, said a press
release.
During the discussion, the
envoy said different
countries showcase their
goods at the pavilions in the
Global Village of Dubai.
The ambassador urged
Bangladesh to take
advantage of this.
"Bangladesh Pavilion in
the Global Village would
make it easier for tourists
from different countries,
including Dubai, to get
information about
Bangladeshi products," he
added.
Lauding the dedication of
the Bangladeshi people, the
ambassador said, the
number of Bangladeshis in
white color professions
including engineers, doctors
and nurses is increasing in
the UAE.
During the meeting,
FBCCI President Jashim
Uddin said that Bangladesh
has now become an
attractive investment
destination for global
entrepreneurs as the
country facilitates with
skilled workers, a huge
domestic market of 170
million people, ready
infrastructure in economic
zones and duty-free market
access for exports to various
countries.
nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman is shining and visible in every
verse, every moment, every background
and every event of our history", said
Akhtaruzzaman at the discussion.
With his dynamic and effective
leadership, Bangabandhu was the main
patron who was behind of gearing up
such movements, creating all the
necessary political and social
backgrounds and elements required for
country's independence, he added.
Bangabandhu directed the
construction and hoisting of the flag on
that time at Dhaka University through
his far-sighted plan, he furthered.
After the discussion on the
significance of the Flag Hoisting Day,
patriotic songs were performed at a
cultural event.
Bangladesh food processing
industry has huge
potentials: UAE envoy
The President called upon
the UAE investors to take
advantage of this
opportunity.
"There are opportunities
to enhance bilateral
investment relations with
the UAE in various sectors,
including food processing,
halal food and skills
development," he added.
The meeting also
discussed the UAE and
Bangladesh Business
Council to be inaugurated
this month.
Among others, FBCCI Vice
President MA Momen, Md.
Amin Helaly, Salauddin
Alamgir, Habib Ullah Dawn,
Director Md. Amjad
Hossain and Secretary
General Mohammad
Mahfuzul Hoque were also
present at the meeting.
Readers and buyers are not in a hurry as the duration of Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been extended.
Although the attendance of readers and writers is less in the afternoon, the book fair is full in the
evening.
Photo : Star Mail
BGB seizes smuggled
goods, drugs worth
over Tk 119cr in Feb
DHAKA : Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB) members
seized smuggled goods
including arms and drugs
worth Tk 119.61 crore from
different parts of the country
including the border areas in
February.
The seized drugs include
15,57,716 Yaba pills, 4.170
kgs crystal meth ice, 2.100
kgs opium, 29,539 bottles of
phensidyl, 1,902 kgs
cannabis, 10.120 kgs heroin
and 1,52,787 injections, says
Public Relation Officer
(PRO) of the BGB
headquarters Md Shariful
Islam.
Other smuggled items
include 5.870 kg gold,
46.065 kg silver, 1,21,585
cosmetics, 12,179 imitation
jeweleries, 6,269 sarees,
20,474 three-piece sets, shirt
pieces, blanket, 2721 cubic
feet timber, 6,639 kgs tea
leaves, 19,410 kg coal, 2
touch stone statues, four
trucks, covered vans, four
private cars, microbuses, 16
pickups, 35 easybikes and 75
motorcycles.
Thailand reassures
support for Rohingya
repatriation
DHAKA : Thai deputy prime minister Don
Pramudwinai has reassured Bangladesh to
provide all possible support to ensure an
early, safe and dignified return of the
displaced Rohingya from Bangladesh, reports
BSS.
Pramudwinai, who is also foreign minister
of Thailand, made the assurance while
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin
Momen requested him for utilizing Bangkok's
'friendship and influence' with Myanmar.
Masud made the call while he called on him
in Bangkok on Tuesday, a foreign ministry
press release received.
During the meeting, both of them
exchanged felicitations and greetings on the
occasion of the 50 years of bilateral relations
and stressed the importance of further
strengthening the existing excellent ties for
mutual benefit of the two friendly peoples.
Earlier on the same day, the Second round
of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC)
between Bangladesh and Thailand was held.
Bangladesh foreign secretary and his Thai
counterpart Thani Thongphakdi led their
respective sides during the FOC where the
entire gamut of bilateral relations between
the two countries was discussed.
Both the sides underscored an early
commencement of a joint feasibility study on
potentials of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
between Bangladesh and Thailand to forge a
'Strategic Economic Partnership'.
During the FOC, the Bangladesh side
reiterated its urge to Thailand to use its
leverage in advancing effective engagement of
ASEAN mechanisms in a fruitful manner in
expediting the repatriation mechanism of
Rohingyas.
The Bangladesh side observed, ASEAN
engagement in the repatriation process would
undeniably give a sense of safety and security
to Rohingya which may encourage them to go
back voluntarily to their homeland in
Rakhine.
The two sides also agreed to create further
synergies for a sustainable and inclusive
economic recovery and development by
properly implementing the Bio-Circular
Green Economic model and the Mujib
Climate Prosperity Plan in the respective
countries.
Information Minister and Broadcasting Dr Hasan Mahmud addressing a seminar as chief guest at
Bangladesh Press Club Institute.
Photo : PID
TCB to sell essential
items to 1cr people ahead
of Ramadan: Tipu
DHAKA : Commerce
Minister Tipu Munshi
yesterday said the state-run
Trading Corporation of
Bangladesh (TCB) would sell
essential items to some one
crore low-income group
people at low prices ahead of
the forthcoming holy month
of Ramadan."This time, TCB
will come to the market
increasing its capacity
around four times. Essential
items of the TCB will be
reached to one crore people
within the next one or one
?and a half months. I think,
around five crore people will
be benefited through the
initiative," he said.
The minister said this
while speaking at a press
conference after a meeting
held at the Secretariat on
keeping the commodities
prices in check during the
month of Ramadan.
TBT REPORT
Major General Shakil
Ahmed, SPP, NSWC,
AFWC, PSC has joined as
the new Director General
of Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB) on 28
February 2022. He took
over the charge from the
outgoing Director General
of BGB, Major General Md.
Safinul Islam, BGBM
(BAR), NDC, PSC on the
afternoon of February 28,
2022. Prior to joining
Border Guard Bangladesh,
he served as the Adjutant
General of the Bangladesh
Army at the Army
Headquarters.
Major General Shakil
Ahmed was commissioned
in the Infantry Corps on 24
June 1986 with the 16th
long term course of
Bangladesh Military
Academy. In his long and
vivid career, he held
various important
positions at the command,
BNP spreading falsehood
against government: Hanif
DHAKA : Awami League (AL) Joint General
Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif yesterday
said BNP has been spreading falsehood
against the government through holding
rallies in front of Jatiya Press Club every day.
"BNP leaders are also telling lies about the
government and its activities in TV talkshows
every day to mislead the people," he
said. Hanif said this while talking to
journalists before joining a meeting of party's
leaders of Chattogram division and
Chandpur district at the AL's Bangabandhu
Avenue central office here.
He said Bangladesh is moving forward
under the dynamic leadership of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina and per capita
income of the people has increased and
country's overall exports are on rising trend.
After the killing of Bangabandhu, BNP
founder Ziaur Rahman had tried to make
Bangladesh a province of Pakistan and at that
time, they not only banned the slogan of
Liberation War-Joy Bangla but also
forbidden the historic March 7 Speech of
Bangabandhu.
staff and trainer levels.
Major General Shakil
Ahmed has successfully
served as GOC 19th
Infantry Division,
Commander 99 Composite
Brigade and Commander
1st East Bengal Regiment.
He also served as Director
of the Defense Intelligence
Directorate, Counter
Intelligence Bureau,
General Staff Officer
Grade-1 of an Infantry
Division and Brigade
Major of an Infantry
Brigade. Major General
Shakil Ahmed has also
served as the Commandant
of the School of Infantry
and Tactics (SI&T). As an
Instructor, he has been the
Chief Instructor of SI&T,
Platoon Commander at
Bangladesh Military
Academy and Directing
Staff of the Armed Forces
War Course at National
Defense College, Mirpur.
As a peacekeeper, he was a
contingent member of
UNOSOM-II in Somalia
BNP that always practices evil politics is
now looking for an issue to attain its evil
purposes, he said, adding that AL leadersactivists
will have to build resistance against
conspiracies and ill politics of BNP.
He criticized BNP Secretary General Mirza
Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for spreading
confusion about the newly formed Election
Commission (EC) and urged the countrymen
not to be confused with the negative
propaganda of BNP against the EC.
AL advisory council member Dr Mohiuddin
Khan Alamgir, presidium member Mofazzal
Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram, joint
general secretary Dr Dipu Moni, organizing
secretary Abu Sayeed Al Mahmood Swapon,
relief and social welfare secretary Sujit Ray
Nondi, science and technology affairs
secretary Abdus Sabur, information and
recharge secretary Dr Salim Mahmud,
Chandpur Zilla Awami League president
Nasir Uddin Ahmed, its general secretary Abu
Naim Patwari Dulal, Shafiqur Rahman, MP,
and Nurul Amin Ruhul, MP, among others,
were present.
BGB gets a new director general
and MONUC's force
logistics staff in Congo. He
has also served as
Contingent Commander
on BANBAT-3/23 at the
UNOCI Ivory Coast
Mission to the United
Nations. He held the
position of Director
General of the Immigration
and Passport Department
under the Ministry of
Home Affairs.
Major General Shakil
Ahmed holds higher
degrees in various
disciplines at home and
abroad. He holds a
Master's degree in National
Security and War Studies, a
Master's degree in
Strategic Studies, and a
Master's degree in Defense
Studies. He has also
participated in numerous
professional training
courses, seminars and
symposiums at home and
abroad. Dr. Shahnaz Shakil
is his wife. The couple have
a daughter and a son.
thurSdaY, March 3, 2022
4
Can Iran and US breathe life into nuclear deal?
Acting Editor & Publisher : Jobaer Alam
e-mail: editor@thebangladeshtoday.com
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Tormented by rising prices
Rising prices is now the subject of worried conversation everywhere.
Complete strangers when travelling together to a common destination
usually discuss the weather. Not anymore. Even between strangers, in
many cases these days, the first talking point turns out to be prices of basic
commodities - such as prices of the rice they must consume daily or the prices
of other kitchen items.
Two consequences in the main are noted from the rising prices. Firstly, the
price escalations have much increased the costs of living agonies of ordinary
people. The poor and the extreme poor comprise nearly half of the population.
Understandably, price increases tend to have the most unhappy effects on
them and this is more the case in the present price rises as prices of mainly
common but indispensable consumption items of the poor are rising. Thus,
the purchasing power of the poor is getting eroded. If the present conditions of
high prices persist, then the poor will be the poorer and poverty's pangs will
deepen in the country.
Besides, even in their poor state, the poor, when they are blessed with
relatively stable or improved purchasing power, they create demand for a large
number of goods and services beyond food and other basic things. The
production and marketing of these not so essential products then help to create
employment and income for people or the economy grows in the process. But
with their purchasing power getting badly battered, the poor or common
people are unlikely to demand such non essential items in good quantities and
hence a slump in their production can be expected with sorry consequences of
the same on their producers and sellers. Thus, overall deepening of the poverty
situation, worsening unemployment and economic stagnation are likely to be
the fallout from the unabated price rises of essential products.
One reaction to the rise in prices can be reduction of consumption . Such a
reaction may even lead to decrease in prices as sellers then respond to
consumer reaction by lowering prices in their bids to fast dispose off stocks of
goods with them. If goods do not sell at a brisk pace, business turnover declines.
But in the current price increases, this strategy of foregoing consumption to put
pressure on the sellers cannot apply for the simple reason that most of the
higher priced goods are considered as essential items by common people.
Thus, even the poor cannot postpone or reduce consumption of flour, rice,
cooking oil and other kitchen items as these are their basic consumption items.
A poor man confronted with the choice of buying a shirt or eating a square
meal, will likely decide to buy only food or food preparation items in
unchanging quantities no matter what the price. He might decide to forego
consumption of a new shirt but he is most unlikely to buy less rice or flour or
cooking oil because the costs of these are higher. People seem not to hesitate to
even, beg, borrow or steal, as the saying goes, to meet the needs of basic
sustenance in the form of food. Sections of businesses --dealing in essential
consumer products-- understand too well this psychology or vulnerability of
the consumers and have decided to exploit it to the utmost to squeeze out
supernormal profits.
Therefore, it needs no stretch of the imagination to realise the sufferings of
poor consumers. Even the middle classes, specially the lower middle classes in
urban areas-- who would be considered to have an existence above the poverty
line -- are getting affected by the price increases. The incomes of most middle
class families are limited in nature and family managers are finding their
backs to the wall trying to balance their budgets with their modest or static
incomes.
All concerned quarters are clanging their bells hard for the government to sit
up and hear the noises they are making to give them relief from price rises. But
so far, the response has not been proportionate to the outcry. Government
must demonstrate its adequate responsiveness to a demand which is central
to the needs of people and also in the vital interest of the economy.
There have been good sides to the economy's management in recent years
and the same were discussed appreciatively in the national press. Stable and
increasing foreign exchange reserve, better collection of revenues, rising
investment rate, etc., were in focus as the features of a resurgent economy. But
common people understandably have not so much interest in these macro
economic indicators. For them, the main down to earth concern is the cost of
essentials or daily consumables and the charges they have to pay for various
regular and unavoidable services. In other words, the costs of living for
common people is a very vital issue and government's creditable activities in
other spheres of the economy may be secondary to common people with costs
of living seen as their comparatively higher concern.
The Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) in its last stock taking
assessed that percentage increase of costs of living was well over the double
digits . Food prices that have a way of creating the justification for increasing
the prices of other commodities and services have been on the higher side all
throughout 2021. Besides, several increases in the charges of power, gas and
fuel oil also helped to raise production costs which in turn led to higher prices
and charges respectively of products and services. House rent, costs of
education, medical charges, etc., also rose notably. The higher price trends and
rising costs of living thereof remain unabated .
Government does not have a direct role to play in regulating prices these
days. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to this aspect in her address to the
nation on last Monday. She drew attention to the rule that under the market
economy principles the country currently follows, there is no way for the
government to intervene so much in the market mechanisms. Prices are to be
left to the free play of market forces or the forces of demand and supply. This
must have been her implied contention. She also drew attention of countrymen
to tax rebate and duty reductions provided by her government to businesses
for the latter to pass on the benefits of the same to consumers in the form of
lower prices.
But free market principles in many countries are not meant to be freestyle
operation of traders or sellers. Government in these countries take steps
against undue profiteering. But this has not been the case in Bangladesh.
Government is seen as rather motionless as traders increase prices without any
justification for the same. Apart from words of advice to traders, government
seems to have no effective strategy in place as prices of goods get most
unreasonably increased by substantial margins and the high price lines are
retained.
The rate of inflation was very recently assessed to be nearly 8 per cent even
by official count, surpassing the previous five-year high at 7.92 per cent.
Independent and more reliable estimates of inflation are considerably higher
. Consumers of the more numerous humble category with limited purchasing
power in the country have been feeling the heat of substantially increased
prices of essential commodities. Prime Minister in her recent address to the
nation also sought to underline that one ought not to look at only price rises but
also take into account the rising purchasing power of the people to offset the
effect of price rises. But one wonders where from she got a clue in respect of the
higher purchasing power of common peopled when that power has diminished
substantially from rising prices and charges. No honest assessment will be able
to quite establish that there has been a general increase in the purchasing
power of poor people to even match or keep pace with the higher prices not to
speak of higher purchasing power enjoyed by them above the price increases.
The free market philosophy is ascendant in Bangladesh. But free markets are
found not devoid of regulatory attempts on the part of governments elsewhere,
specially when the same relate to goods regularly consumed by common
people with modest purchasing power. The market behaviour on the part of
traders clearly point to their illegal and unethical profiteering instincts.
Investigations from the media and other responsible sources drew the
attention of the government many times to deliberate hoarding and related
activities by a section of so called business operators to rake in unearned super
profits at the expense of the miseries of common people. Market economy
principles do not prohibit actions against hoarding and profiteering or the
application of the laws of the land in such cases. However, so far, no application
of these laws have been noted although their skilful application would not be
unjustified under the present conditions.
There has been also regular pleading in the press and elsewhere to revive
government's own extensive sale of essential goods at fair prices to take the
wind out of the sales of profiteers and hoarders. Full revitalisation and
operationalisation of the state owned Trading Corporation of Bangladesh
(TCB) was suggested to this end. Government has only very recently gone for
half-hearted revival of TCB operations when it should have allowed full scale
resumption of its operations, long ago, to defeat the aims of the price
manipulators.
This photo released on November 5,
2019, by the Atomic Energy
Organization of Iran shows centrifuge
machines in the Natanz uranium
enrichment facility in central Iran. Iran
announced it had started gas injection into a
30-machine cascade of advanced IR-6
centrifuges in Natanz complex. Photo:
Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
The possibility of the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -
the Iran nuclear deal - being revived, though
difficult, seems to have brightened in
February. The US may now also believe that
the potential loss of Russian natural gas and
oil due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war
needs to be offset by Iran returning to the
global oil market.
The nuclear deal could have been
accomplished much earlier if not for the Joe
Biden administration's unwillingness to
commit to the "way forward" offered by Iran
to stay in the deal for the remainder of
Biden's term as president, according to
Responsible Statecraft.
Former US President Donald Trump
pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in
May 2018 on the premise that he could get a
better deal than the one negotiated by his
predecessor Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, faced with the current reality
relating to the situation on the ground,
which shows Iran is unlikely to give up its
missile capabilities or pull back from
regional allies, Biden seems to have come
around to the original deal.
Iran is unlikely to remove the more
advanced centrifuges it now possesses and
uses after the Trump administration
unilaterally pulled out of the deal. Neither is
Iran likely to get an assurance that Trump or
a future US president who follows his lead
on foreign policy will not abandon the deal
again after the 2024 presidential election in
the United States.
The rest of the world is thus forced to live
in an era in which the United States, the
strongest military and economic power, is
no longer capable of committing to treaties,
whether on global warming or the nuclear
deal with Iran.
Washington was not alone in its
foolishness of pulling out of an agreement
like the Iran nuclear deal that sought to
impose the most stringent restrictions any
country had accepted on its nuclear
programs.
It was egged on, if not instigated, by Israel,
which wanted the United States to do what it
could not: remove the possibility of Iran
developing nuclear weapons and defang its
missile capabilities.
As most technologies required for nuclear
weapons or missiles are dual-use, these
Russian President Vladimir Putin
enters a hall before a meeting with
members of the Security Council via a
video link in Moscow on February 25, 2022
[Alexey Nikolsky/Kremlin via Reuters]
If it was not plain before, Vladimir Putin's
war on Ukraine and Ukrainians has
revealed these self-evident truths.
Columnists who, like me, flit, like
butterflies, from one "crisis" to the next, one
"outrage" to the next, one "scandal" to the
next, do not matter.
Analysts and ex-generals appearing on
cable news networks to speculate without
knowing do not matter.
The usual lineup of "think-tank"
strategists and "experts" appearing on cable
news networks to blabber on and speculate
without knowing do not matter.
Rich, vacuous television personalities
who know nothing about loss or sacrifice in
the midst of war do not matter.
The keyboard cavalry of smug,
perpetually wrong hypocrites who once
loved "regime change" and invading
sovereign nations before hating "regime
change" and the invasion of another
sovereign nation populated, this time, by
white Christians, do not matter.
Pedestrian, duplicitous politicians and
diplomats who spout banalities about
"geniuses", "freedom", and the sanctity of
"territorial integrity" and "international
law" do not matter.
All of the above who stampede to Twitter
every other moment to share their trite,
hyperbolic musings and "insight" about
Putin, war and Ukraine may think they
matter, but they do not.
People matter. Ukrainians matter and,
oh, how they matter.
The countless victims of Putin's war -
dead, injured, homeless and traumatised
Ukrainians - matter.
Still, Ukrainians have shown, by their fine
example, how courage and defiance matter.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr
Zelenskyy has, by his honourable example,
confirmed that true leadership and sacrifice
matter.
Zelenskyy has, by his honourable
example, confirmed, as well, that simple
words and acts of refusal matter.
Enlightened Russians who defy thugs and
restrictions would have converted Iran to a
second-class industrial power.
A set of Israeli military experts have now
come out saying that asking the United
States to pull out of the Iran deal was a huge
blunder, and the best course for Israel now
would be to work to reinstate the nuclear
deal. A report published in January by Ben
Armbruster in Responsible Statecraft, a US
website on international affairs, says: "The
head of Israel's military intelligence agency,
Major-General Aharon Haliva, has said that
the revival of the Iran nuclear agreement
would be better for Israel than if it were to be
allowed to collapse entirely."
If Iran had succumbed to the United
States and Israel's demands, it would have
given the Western powers complete military
control over West Asia, including its oil. This
would have been in line with former US
President Jimmy Carter's 1980 declaration -
the Carter Doctrine - that the Persian Gulf
region was of vital interest to the United
States, and the US would brook no
interference of any outside power in this
region.
The Carter Doctrine was similar to the
neocolonial Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which
declared that no foreign power could have
any military presence in the Americas, the
United States' backyard.
Trump's reimposition of more than 1,000
sanctions on Iran after walking out of the
nuclear deal was a heavy economic blow for
Iran. It was complemented by covert attacks
on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, which
included the sabotage of nuclear facilities
and the assassinations of nuclear scientists
in Iran. Major-General Qasem Soleimani,
the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps' Quds Force, was assassinated
along with Iraqi militia commander Abu
Mahdi al-Muhandis in a US drone strike in
Baghdad in 2020.
Iran's response to these sanctions and
attacks has been equally forceful: The
country struck US bases in the region in
January 2020 using missiles, continued
supporting the Lebanese political-militant
group Hezbollah and the Syrian government
forces and continued to exert its influence
over Iraq.
After a prior warning to avoid casualties,
Iran's strikes on US bases showed America's
In Ukraine, Putin is bound to lose
intimidation to oppose war matter.
Kind, generous people who comfort and
help frightened strangers fleeing war
matter.
All refugees escaping the war, including
African children, women and men who,
shamefully, have had, again, to withstand
racism even at this dire moment, matter.
Intrepid (not racist) reporters risking
their lives to tell the truth about what is
happening in Ukraine and beyond, matter.
Angry people who have come together in
the streets across the globe - even in placid,
"neutral" Switzerland - to denounce and
reject war and, instead, call, as one, for
peace, matter.
For the little it may be worth, I do not
know what will happen in Ukraine in the
days ahead.
I do not know what will happen in Russia
in the days ahead.
I do not know what Putin may or may not
do in the days ahead.
I do not know whether or not Putin's mad
plans for Ukraine have gone awry.
I do not know what may or may not be in
store for a troubled world in the days,
weeks, months and years ahead because of
Putin's war on Ukraine.
But I do know this: Putin will not prevail.
Time and people of good and determined
will shall not let him prevail.
History tells us that fear and force, as
governing tools, inevitably lose their
potency. History also tells us that
understanding the value and necessity of
patience is key to beating the purveyors of
fear and force.
I remember when, not too long ago, the
columnists, the experts, the analysts, the
strategists, the generals and the politicians
were flummoxed to the point of shocked,
and welcomed, silence when the Berlin Wall
came down - bit by bit, brick by brick, slab
Prabir PurkaYaStha
andrEW Mitrovica
so-called anti-missile batteries are toothless
against Iran's latest missiles. Iran was
careful not to cause deaths, nor did it hit US
Navy ships in order not to start a war.
But its asymmetric war capabilities
showed that US and Israeli strategic assets
in the region were now within Iran's missile
range, and anti-missile batteries could not
protect these assets.
I have previously written about Iran
developing asymmetrical warfare
capabilities and the ability to use missiles,
drones and small naval boats to strike
opponents. Supplying Hezbollah and other
groups in West Asia such as Ansarullah or
the Houthis in Yemen with these kinds of
Yemen's infrastructure has been destroyed; the country
has dealt with a cholera epidemic and faced a water crisis
with no access to safe drinking water, and its schools, colleges
and health care facilities have been destroyed by
sustained Saudi and Emirati bombings.
technology has helped Iran vis-à-vis Israel
and Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have shown they may suffer
heavy losses against the militarily superior
Saudi and the Emirati (UAE) forces, but
they have missile capabilities to strike back.
With Yemen, the argument of Houthi
attacks hitting civilians rings hollow, as the
Saudis and Emiratis have inflicted the most
savage attacks on civilians that the world has
seen in a very long time.
Yemen's infrastructure has been
destroyed; the country has dealt with a
cholera epidemic and faced a water crisis
with no access to safe drinking water, and its
schools, colleges and health care facilities
have been destroyed by sustained Saudi and
Emirati bombings.
Yemen's only recourse has been to hit
back at Saudi and UAE facilities - refineries
and airports - hoping to force them into
peace talks and settle the war.
Trump and the Israeli leadership had
assumed that the economic reverses of the
sanctions would drive Iran to surrender its
independent strategic nuclear role. Iran
initially refrained from breaching the
JCPOA agreement and asked the other
signatories, Germany, France, the United
Kingdom, Russia and China, to continue
trading with it.
Apart from China and Russia, the
European countries who were part of the
agreement gave "lip service" to continuing
with the JCPOA and reduced their trade
with Iran to a trickle. With the dollar
functioning as the international currency, no
other European country was willing to buck
by slab.
People who had crossed the fear barrier
into wild celebration of the destruction of all
that the Berlin Wall stood for did what was
considered, until then, impossible.
It was people - lots of them - who achieved
the impossible. They overwhelmed an
inhumane regime built on fear and force
that the columnists, analysts, strategists,
generals, and politicians insisted would last
for much longer than it did.
That fear and force were dispatched in
Berlin so quickly was proof that when fear
and force are challenged by enough people
seized with will and hope, change comes.
And, sometimes, it arrives fast and
i remember when, not too long ago, the columnists, the
experts, the analysts, the strategists, the generals and the
politicians were flummoxed to the point of shocked, and
welcomed, silence when the berlin Wall came down - bit
by bit, brick by brick, slab by slab.
unexpectedly.
Ukrainians, in and out of uniforms, have
seized on and demonstrated this will and
hope with a stirring and humbling
conviction.
They have rallied to their leader's call to
confront fear and force with will, hope and,
yes, weapons. They have confronted fear
and force with every means that a righteous
resistance permits.
Ukrainians are not "hanging on". They are
standing fast. They are testament, once
more, that fear and force will always lose
out.
Nazar Cherniha is one of the countless
Ukrainians who are standing firm. After
watching a Russian missile slam into an
apartment in Kyiv, Cherniha told the
Washington Post: "After tonight I am not
scared anymore. Fear disappeared." His
mother, Nataliya, is just as defiant. "The
people have really come together, and such
a unity can't possibly be defeated."
She is, of course, right.
Putin may have calculated that
Ukrainians would cower and capitulate and
that the rank, Soviet-style rhetoric meant to
smear a freely elected government as a
the United States sanctions in any serious
way.
This is where Iran started to ratchet up its
nuclear enrichment, both in quantity and
quality: how much uranium-235 it would
enrich and to what degree of purity. The Iran
nuclear deal had the following key features:
Iran's active centrifuges would have to
come down to about 5,000 from the more
than 19,000 centrifuges it had.
Uranium enrichment was capped at 300
kilograms at 3.67% purity.
No advanced centrifuges would be used
beyond IR-1 and Iran would have to
dismantle/mothball more advanced
centrifuges. Iran would have to modify the
Arak heavy reactor that could produce
weapons-grade plutonium and convert it so
it could be used for peaceful purposes.
At the time of the agreement, Iran had
stockpiled about 200kg of 20% enriched
uranium gas (200kg of uranium gas would
be 133kg of solid uranium), which was
shipped out to Russia.
In terms of nuclear-weapons
development, converting uranium to 20%
purity is nine-tenths of the work required to
reach weapons-grade uranium of 90%
purity. The bulk of the work involved in
building these weapons is therefore in
achieving 20% purity, and the rest is
relatively easy.
In centrifuges, uranium gas is spun to
separate U-238, the heavier isotope of
uranium, from U-235, which is lighter and
the fissile isotope used in the development of
nuclear weapons. The separation is done by
using a cascade of centrifuges and repeating
the process continuously.
This process is time- and energyconsuming
and requires a high degree of
automation. In Natanz, Iran, the Stuxnet
malware and a cyberweapon developed by
the United States and Israel were used to
destroy more than 10% of Iran's centrifuges
by attacking its Siemens controllers.
This attack was the first use of a
cyberweapon in the world.
In November 2021, the Atomic Energy
Organization of Iran said its stockpile of
20% enriched uranium had reached more
than 210kg, and 60% enriched uranium had
reached 25kg. The country also has put in a
new generation of more advanced
centrifuges and efficient IR-2m, IR-4 and
IR-6 centrifuges.
This capability is why there are arguments
that Iran has reached breakout capacity as it
has enough fissile material for a bomb and is
more advanced in its bomb-making ability
than it was during the original JCPOA as a
consequence of Trump's folly.
Source: Asia times
"junta" filled with "criminals" and "drug
traffickers" would work. If he did, he has
miscalculated - badly.
This so-called "student" of history has
forgotten the sharp lessons of recent
history.
It is easy to succumb to distorting hubris
and the irresistible impulse to invade and
impose your evangelical designs on another
people and their homeland, but it is much
more difficult to enforce those designs
without sinking, eventually, into quagmire,
retreat and defeat.
That is why, I think, Putin and his
surrogates have been reduced to shouting
clichés and revisionist nonsense and
making apocalyptic threats that suggest that
Russia's leader-for-life has slipped into a
dangerous and disconcerting hysteria.
Time, will and hope will change that, too.
We are watching it stir in Moscow and other
Russian cities. Principled Russians
continue to risk their freedom or worse
despite Putin's fear-and-force-fuelled edicts
that they remain quiet and at home.
Undeterred, they are on the street. We
owe these brave Russians our support and
gratitude for their fidelity to hope over fear,
to humanity over inhumanity, to peace over
war.
Meanwhile, one marquee and habitually
wrong American columnist who once
championed fear, force and "regime
change" in the Middle East and Afghanistan
and now opposes it when a European
nation is the target, recently wrote that the
world-wide-web may turn out to be
Ukraine's salvation.
Wrong again.
The worldwide web is a tool. It is how
people of goodwill and purpose - inside and
outside Ukraine - use it to battle fear and
force that may play a part in writing the
country's fate.
Ukrainians, I suspect, do not need
Twitter, Facebook, TikTok or Instagram to
fight for their dignity, freedom and
independence.
It is apparent to me, at least, that the will
to meet an occupying army head-on is
engrained in Ukrainians' minds, hearts, and
souls.
Source: Al Jazeera
THursDAy, mArCH 3, 2022
5
EmIlIE FIlOu
The boarding of Uganda Airlines flight
446 from Entebbe to Dubai was
momentarily disrupted at the end of last
year when two of the passengers started
hawking bush crickets in the aisles.
Their fellow travellers couldn't believe
their luck: nsenene are a prized delicacy
in Uganda, but despite November
usually being peak season for the
insects, there had been hardly any
around.
The video from the plane went viral;
there were grumblings about security
breaches, but Uganda Airlines seemed
sympathetic and spotted an
opportunity to turn the crisis into an
opportunity. "We understand that
[nsenene] was not in plenty this season,
hence the excitement. We are
considering adding nsenene to our
menu for regional and international
flights on request," it said in a
statement.
Nsenene are just one of 2,100 known
edible insect species, a quarter of which
are consumed in Africa. Most are highly
prized - often costing more than beef or
chicken by weight - and most are
harvested from the wild.
Catching them is often difficult, they
are seasonal and can be unavailable
when most needed, said Dorte Verner,
lead agriculture economist at the World
Bank's food and agriculture global
practice. They can also be overharvested
or contaminated with
pesticides.
However, with rising food insecurity,
safeguarding this nutritious source of
protein has become critical. "In 2021,
Are farmed insects the next big thing in food industry?
21% of people in countries affected by
fragility, conflict and violence did not
have access to nutritious food," said
Verner. "Also, food production per
capita has been falling since 2014."
Farming the insects is one solution. A
recent report, published by Verner and
World Bank colleagues, on the potential
of hydroponics and insect farming in
Africa, found 849 farms in 10 of the 13
countries they surveyed. While still in
its infancy - most farms were set up in
the last decade - the industry has clear
potential: not only would insects be
available all year, it would create jobs,
help manage food waste, which is used
as feed, and insect manure, or frass,
could create fertilisers.
The World Bank has estimated that
within a year, black soldier fly (BSF)
farming could generate crude protein
worth up to $2.6bn (£1.9bn) and
biofertilisers worth up to $19.4bn. The
process would recycle 200m tonnes of
crop waste.
Although the bulk of existing farms
produce insects for human
consumption, there has been growing
interest in insects as animal feed.
Demand has trebled in the last decade
in Kenya alone, and feed manufacturers
have been increasingly looking for
alternatives to soya and fishmeal, which
are plagued by volatile prices, variable
quality and poor environmental
records.
Nsenene, or bush crickets, are just one of 2,100 known edible insects species, a quarter of which are consumed
in Africa.
Photograph: Eugénie Baccot
Research suggests that animals fed
insect protein, notably BSF, achieved
faster growth rates and better-quality
meat than with soya or fishmeal.
Production costs are relatively stable,
and will go down as operations are
scaled up, said Talash Huijbers, founder
of InsectiPro, one of the largest BSF
farms in Kenya. "With the pandemic,
people are starting to appreciate the
value of local protein production," she
said. Shobhita Soor, head of Legendary
Foods, a palm weevil farm in Ghana,
has seen similar trends. Many of her
customers want to eat "made in Ghana"
products.
Soor's ambition is to "deliver the
nutrition of meat at the price point and
sustainability of plant", a mission that
has led to a relentless search for
efficiency gains. "Last year, we managed
to reduce our costs of production by
40%. If we want to be as ubiquitous as
chicken, it's incumbent on us to do the
R&D to continue to optimise our
production."
She is looking to raise $5m this year to
build her first large-scale plant, while
InsectiPro is planning an $11m
expansion: it has already opened two
more BSF facilities in Kenya and wants
to expand in Uganda and Rwanda.
Only 16 species are farmed in Africa,
but the International Centre of Insect
Physiology and Ecology in Kenya has
been looking at how to raise various
insect species since 2014 and has
trained thousands of would-be
"entopreneurs".
Publications such as the World Bank
report are vital to put insect protein on
the radar of governments - insects do
not appear in any national food
strategy. Other large development
finance institutions, such as the
International Finance Corporation and
the US Agency for International
Development, are also looking into
insect farming. Meanwhile, the World
Bank is planning pilot investments in
South Sudan, Malawi, Kenya and
Zimbabwe.
"From the number of meeting
requests I have received since the
publication of the report, I can tell you
that [people] are really interested," said
Verner.
Affordable analysis
of genomes key to
tackling diseases
ONyANGO NyAmOl
A project equipping
researchers with cheap and
accessible methods for
studying genetic materials of
large collections of bacteria
that cause diseases could be
critical in tackling future
global health challenges,
scientists say.
The 10,000 Salmonella
Genomes Project (10KSG)
could make bacterial genomic
data more accessible in lowand
middle-income
economies, especially in Sub-
Saharan Africa where 80 per
cent of the 77,000 global
annual deaths from nontyphoidal
Salmonella
bloodstream infections occur.
The collaboration of
scientists from 16 countries,
led by the Earlham Institute
and the University of
Liverpool in England, aims to
understand the genetic
makeup of bacterial strains
responsible for Salmonella
bloodstream infections in
Africa and Latin America. This
can increase understanding of
drug resistance and virulence
of the bacteria and help in the
development of vaccines.
"Infectious diseases cause a
huge health and economic
burden on low- and middleincome
countries," says Neil
Hall, director of the Earlham
Institute, a life science
research centre.
"Usually, the most effective
interventions involve public
health measures. However,
public health policy needs to
be well informed by good data
from genomic epidemiological
studies."
In less than a year, scientists
have analysed 10,000
Salmonella genomes from
Africa and Latin America for
as little as US$10 per genome
A project is aiding resource-limited scientists to analyse deadly microbes' genetic
materials .
Photo: Pixaby
or genetic material.
According to researchers,
large-scale bacterial genome
analyses have been possible in
only a few sequencing centres
globally until now and the cost
had been as much as US$100
per genome.
The 10KSG project, Hall
explains, has significantly
reduced the cost and
increased the large-scale study
of genetic materials present in
microbes, enabling many
more scientists to access the
technology worldwide.
Jay Hinton, a professor of
microbial pathogenesis from
the University of Liverpool,
says that for any vaccines to be
effective, there is a need to
know more about the bacteria
causing the disease.
"Our project has provided
the best understanding of the
Salmonella variants
responsible for bloodstream
infections in African countries
including Democratic
Republic of Congo, Gambia,
Mali, Malawi, Kenya, Senegal
and Uganda in recent years -
information that will be
invaluable for evaluating the
impact of the [Salmonella]
vaccine rollout," Hinton
explained.
Damaris Matoke-Muhia, a
molecular biologist at the
Kenya Medical Research
Institute (KEMRI), says that
people trained in sequencing
can train others, in order to
build a qualified workforce.
"Once the facilities are
equipped with sequencing
tools, it will help with
continuous sequencing of
genomes of interest and this
will stop the shipment of
samples that is usually done
due to lack of capacity,
including sequencing SARS-
CoV-2 variants," Matoke-
Muhia tells.
Sultan Mahmud Khan Rony: a
torch bearer for country’s youth
AzHAr AlI, BOGurA
COrrEsPONDENT
The Bogura District Awami
League Publicity and
Publication Secretary Sultan
Mahmud Khan Rony has been
spotlighted as the beacon for
the country's youth. He has
been polite and thoughtful
since his childhood.He is
dedicated to literature, culture
and sports. As per him, in order
to build a strong nation,
intelligence, tolerance and
innovative skills must be
awakened in the youth. Their
leadership will take the country
to the forefront of the world. In
this case, the most important
thing is to curate sports-loving
and culture-oriented minds
among youth. As a result, the
youth get the openness of life,
the formidable attitude of life
struggle, and gain success. By
them this society will become
free of drug abuse, terror, and
militancy.
Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman was a sports minded
and culture oriented person
from his childhood. He became
the leader of the nation at the
time when he first led a sports
team at his early age. In order
for this nation to be known as
the richest nation in the world,
the young people have to be
rony poses for a portrait.
managed properly. The youth
are the shining stars of the
country, nation and society, the
future leaders of the nation. In
order to make them drug free,
they have to develop sports and
culture. The country has
enough youth dependent
energy. It is our responsibility
Photo: TBT
to harness this power. It is with
this thought that Sultan
Mahmud Khan Rony, the
aspiring leader of the youth
society of Bogura, made such
an effort to build the youth
society as enlightened people.
He has continued to support
the neglected, miserable,
disenfranchised and coldblooded
people of the society.
He has distributed food
items, health items and cash
during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In particular, he provided
financial assistance to poor
meritorious students and
sports. In the past, this young
leader was former VP of
Bogura Government Shah
Sultan College Student
Parliament, GS, District
Chhatra League Social Welfare
Secretary, Joint Convener,
General Secretary, Municipal
Awami League Joint Convener
and now District Awami
League Publicity and
Publication Secretary. Besides,
he is currently directly and
indirectly involved with various
social, cultural and educational
institutions including panel
chairman of Bogura district
council, additional general
secretary of district sports
body, president of district
football association, life
member of Bogura Diabetes
Association
He has been able to place
himself in the heart of the mass
by his good behavior.
Especially the entrepreneurial,
sports-loving, literary-minded,
culture-minded people who are
creative thinkers, nurture him
as a source of encouragement.
EsTHEr NAkkAzI
Six African countries are to receive
technology that will enable them to
manufacture COVID-19 vaccines, in an
effort to reduce reliance on producers
outside the continent, the World Health
Organization (WHO) has announced.
Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South
Africa and Tunisia will get access to the
messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine
technology along with knowledge
needed to manufacture the vaccines
and support in training scientists, the
WHO said.
The rollout is part of a global initiative
aimed at helping low- and middleincome
countries to access the
technology for producing mRNA
vaccines at scale and to international
standards in order to stem the COVID-
19 pandemic.
MRNA vaccines, used by Pfizer-
BioNTech and Moderna for their shots,
work by instructing cells to produce a
protein which triggers an immune
response to fight viruses when they
enter the body. These two companies
have so far delivered the majority of
their doses to rich countries, leaving
lower-income countries out in the cold.
"No other event like the COVID-19
pandemic has shown that reliance on a
few companies to supply global public
Africa’s COVID-19 fight bolstered with tech transfer
goods is limiting, and dangerous," said
WHO director-general Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesu, at a ceremony
on Friday (18 February) hosted by the
European Council, France, South Africa
and the WHO during the European
Union-African Union summit in
Brussels.
The announcement was greeted with
excitement in Africa where only about
12 per cent of the population are fully
vaccinated against COVID-19,
according to data from the Africa
Centres for Disease Control and
Prevention (Africa CDC).
"I'm really pleased to see this
progress," said Africa CDC director
John Nkengasong." The way we fight
the next pandemic will be very
different because the continent would
have been producing diagnostics and
vaccines."
The development follows the creation
of an mRNA vaccine technology
transfer hub run by a WHO consortium
in South Africa, which will share
technical know-how with vaccine
manufacturers in the six countries.
The WHO and partners will train and
help build up the necessary workforce
across the value chain, said Tedros, with
a training hub to be announced in the
coming weeks.
South African president Cyril
Ramaphosa said that enabling Africa to
make its own vaccines meant "mutual
respect and recognition of what we can
all bring to the party, investment in our
economies, infrastructure investment
and, in many ways, giving back to the
continent".
He added: "Organisations such as
COVAX [the initiative for equal access
to COVID-19 vaccines] and Gavi [the
Vaccine Alliance] need to commit to
buying vaccines from our local
manufacturers. They need to buy them
from the locally produced hubs once
they get going."
Ramaphosa also called upon
European countries to approve an
intellectual property waiver on COVID
technology, which has been before the
World Trade Organization for over a
year.
"Governments that are really serious
about ensuring that the world has
access to vaccines should ensure that we
approve the TRIPS [Trade-Related
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights]
waiver as we've put it forward," he
added.
Ultimately the mRNA tech transfer
hub will promote access to vaccines for
everyone, strengthen health security
and promote self-reliance for the future,
according to the WHO. It says the
technology can also be used for insulin
to treat diabetes, cancer medicines and,
potentially, vaccines for diseases such
as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV.
"Diversifying mRNA vaccine
manufacturing capacity to low- and
middle-income countries should be a
global health priority," said Doctors
Without Borders (MSF), in response to
the WHO announcement.
"More regions producing mRNA
vaccines as essential preparedness
against infectious diseases could bolster
the response not only to COVID-19 and
future infectious diseases, but also
potentially to existing ones such as
malaria, tuberculosis and HIV."
German biotechnology company
BioNTech announced on Wednesday
(16 February) that it will create
accessible technology for mRNA
manufacturing in Rwanda and Senegal
in 2022 - with a fill-and-finish
collaboration in Ghana. Fill-and-finish
is the process of filling vials with vaccine
and finishing the process of packaging
the medicine for distribution.
Earlier this month Afrigen, which is
part of the WHO's South Africa
consortium, announced it had
developed its own version of an mRNA
shot, based on publicly available data on
the composition of the Moderna
vaccine, to be tested in the coming
months.
Patrick Tippoo, executive director of
the Africa Vaccine Manufacturing
Initiative (AVMI), told SciDev.Net that
while access to technology in terms of
written recipes and permission to use
them was important, Africa needed to
be confident of securing and sustaining
a market for its products.
The WHO has announced that six African countries are to receive technology
to enable them to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines. Photo: Hakan German
thursDAY, mArCh 3, 2022
6
Two more Covid-19
casualties in Rangpur
A discussion meeting on Bangabandhu and Bangladesh has been held at the initiative of Baraigram
upazila Administration of natore.
photo: Amor D Costa
Discussion meeting on Bangabandhu
and Bangladesh held in Baraigram
Amor D CostA, BArAigrAm CorresponDent
RANGPUR: Two more Covid-19
fatalities were reported during the last 24
hours ending at 8 am yesterday from
Rangpur division where the pandemic
situation continues improving
constantly during the last two weeks,
reports BSS.
Health officials said the number of
Covid-19 positive cases continues
declining as the spread of the lethal virus
has already become weaker in the
division.
"With the two more deaths reported
from Rangpur district alone, the total
number of casualties reached 1,282 in
the division," Divisional Director
(Health) Dr. Abu Md. Zakirul Islam
Lenin told BSS yesterday.
The district-wise breakup of the 1,282
fatalities stands at 300 in Rangpur, 84 in
Panchagarh, 92 in Nilphamari, 73 in
Lalmonirhat, 69 in Kurigram, 259 in
Thakurgaon, 340 in Dinajpur and 65 in
Gaibandha of the division.
The average casualty rate stands at two
percent in the division.
Meanwhile, 12 fresh Covid-19 cases
were diagnosed after testing 252 samples
at the 4.76 percent positivity rate on
Tuesday in the division.
Earlier, the daily Covid-19 positivity
rates were 4.93 percent on Monday, 2.56
percent on Sunday, 10.19 percent on
Saturday, 8.64 percent on Friday, 7.45
percent on Thursday and 8.50 percent
on Wednesday last in the division.
"With the diagnosis of 12 fresh Covid-
19 cases, the total number of infected
patients has reached 64,065 in Rangpur
division," Dr. Islam said.
The district-wise break up of total
64,065 patients include 14,943 of
Rangpur, 4,415 Panchagarh, 5,472 of
Nilphamari, 3,277 of Lalmonirhat, 4,973
of Kurigram, 8,577 of Thakurgaon,
16,903 of Dinajpur and 5,505 of
Gaibandha in the division.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, a
total of 3,37,195 collected samples were
tested till Tuesday, and of them, 64,065
were found Covid-19 positive with an
average positivity rate of 19 percent.
At the same time, the number of
healed Covid-19 patients reached 61,445
in Rangpur division with the recovery of
172 more patients on Tuesday.
The average recovery rate presently
stands at 95.91 percent.
Among the total 64,065 patients, 41
are under treatments at isolation units,
including six critical patients each at ICU
beds and High Dependency Unit beds,
after recovery of 61,445 patients and
1,282 deaths while 1,297 are remaining
in home isolation. "Meanwhile, the
number of citizens who got the first dose
of the Covid-19 vaccine rose to
1,32,15,406 and among them, 84,61,608
got the second dose and 3,90,688 got the
booster dose till Tuesday in the division,"
Dr Islam added.
Principal of Rangpur Medical College
Professor Dr. Bimal Chandra Roy told
the national news agency that the
number of Covid-19 cases is declining to
improve the pandemic situation in
Rangpur division in the last two weeks.
However, he suggested common
people abide by the health directives to
further reduce spread of the lethal virus
in the division.
A discussion meeting on
Bangabandhu and Bangladesh has
been held at the initiative of Baraigram
Upazila Administration of Natore.
Professor Abdul Quddus, Member of
Parliament for Natore-4 (Baraigram-
Gurudaspur) constituency and District
Awami League President, was present
RMCH counts two
more fatalities in
Covid-19 unit
RAJSHAHI: Rajshahi
Medical College Hospital
(RMCH) recorded two more
fatalities in its Covid-19 unit
during the last 24 hours till
9am yesterday, reports BSS.
RMCH Director Brigadier
General Shamim Yazdani said
both of the deceased were the
residents of Rajshahi and they
died with post-Covit-19
complexities.
Meanwhile, one more
patient was admitted to the
Covid-19 unit during the last
24 hours, taking the number
of admitted patients to 16,
including nine positive for the
lethal virus, at present.
However, two others
returned home after being
cured during the same time.
On the other hand, 34 more
patients were found Covid-19
positive after testing 319
samples in Rajshahi's two
laboratories on Tuesday,
showing a one percent
infection rate in Rajshahi,
while 28.35 percent in Natore,
11.11 percent in
Chapainawabganj and 10.45
percent in Joypurhat districts.
Boro cultivation
exceeds target in
Mymensingh
MYMENSINGH: The Boro
paddy cultivation target has
exceeded in all 13 upazilas of
the district during the current
season with fixing the
production target of 11,04,899
tonnes of clean rice, reports
BSS.
Department of Agriculture
Extension (DAE) has set a
target of cultivation of Boro
paddy on 2,60350 hectares of
land with the production
target of 11,04,899 tonnes of
rice.
The farmers have already
cultivated Boro paddy on
2,62,825 hectares of land. But
the target has exceeded by
2475 hectares.
DAE office sources said of
the total cultivated land, the
farmers cultivated Hybrid
variety on 74,485 hectares,
Opshee variety on 1,88,285
hectares and local variety on
55 hectares of land.
Deputy Director of DAE
Motiuzzaman said quality
seeds, fertilizers and other
logistic support were also
provided among the small
and marginal farmers to assist
them in boosting the
production.
He also said sub assistant
agriculture officers have been
monitoring and giving
necessary advice to the
farmers.
as the chief guest at the discussion held
at the Upazila Parishad meeting room
on Wednesday afternoon on the
occasion of the golden jubilee of
independence.
UNO MSt Mariam Khatun chaired
the occasion while among others,
Upazila Parishad Chairman Dr.
Siddiqur Rahman Patwari, Baraigram
Municipal Mayor Majedul Bari Nayan,
Upazila Awami League President
Abdul Quddus Miyaji, Gopalpur UP
Chairman valiant freedom fighter Abu
Bakkar Siddique, valiant freedom
fighter Abul Khair among others
spoke.
Human Rights Commission
exchanges views with UNO
in Banaripara
s mizAnul islAm, BAnAripArA CorresponDent
A view exchange meeting of the newly
formed committee of Bangladesh Human
Rights Commission, Banaripara branch was
held with Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ripon
Kumar Saha on Wednesday.
The Central Approval Copy of the Branch
Committee was formally handed over to
UNO at the meeting. Meanwhile, UNO
Ripon Kumar Saha assured full cooperation
A view exchange meeting of the newly formed committee of Bangladesh
human rights Commission, Banaripara branch was held with upazila
nirbahi officer ripon kumar saha on Wednesday. photo: tBt
National Voters’ Day
observed in Rajshahi
division
RAJSHAHI: The National
Voters' Day-2022 was
observed in the division as
elsewhere in the country
yesterday in a befitting
manner aimed at
spreading awareness
among the youth on
democracy, election and
voting rights, reports BSS.
Marking the day, 25 new
voters including some
transgender were given
smart cards aimed at
ensuring their basic rights.
On the day, a discussion
meeting was held at
Rajshahi Regional Election
Office in the morning with
a call to encourage the
common people to cast
their votes for
strengthening democracy
in the country besides
highlighting the
importance of the day.
Divisional Commissioner
GSM Zafarullah and
Commissioner of Rajshahi
Metropolitan Police Abu
Kalam Siddique addressed
the meeting as the chief
and special guests
respectively with Deputy
Commissioner Abdul Jalil
in the chair.
Additional Deputy
Inspector General of Police
Joydeb Kumar Bhadra and
Senior Election Officer
Saiful Islam also spoke on
the occasion.
This year's slogan of the
day is 'Mujib Year's
commitment is to protect
voting rights'.
Zafarullah said the
National Voters' Day will
make the young people
aware about the voting
rights to give democracy an
institutional shape.
He laid emphasis on
creating mass awareness
among the people on
voting rights through
to the Bangladesh Human Rights
Commission, Banaripara branch. During the
exchange of views, Commission President
ATM Mostafa Sardar, Secretary S Mizanul
Islam, Organizing Secretary Md. Zahid
Hossain, Vice President Maksuda Akhter,
Ruhal Amin Shuvo, Treasurer Md. Saiful
Islam, Executive Member Professor Emam
Hossain, Office Secretary Abdul Awal and
others were present.
making the National
Voters' Day a success.
The chief guest termed
the observance of the day
as a time-befitting decision
of the government as the
basic foundation of the
democratic culture and
development remained
hidden in the day's theme.
The spirit of this day
would get transmitted
among the people for
registration of new voters,
deletion of the names of
dead voters and transfers
the voters to desired
addresses, he added.
Earlier, they inaugurated
the day's programme
through releasing pigeons
and balloons.
District and upazila level
offices of the EC also
observed the day in all
eight districts under
Rajshahi division with due
manners.
National
Voters' Day
celebrated
in Kaunia
AshrAFul hABiB tushAr,
kAuniA CorresponDent
The National Voters' Day
has been observed
through various
programs organized by
the Kaunia Upazila
Election Office in
Rangpur with the theme
"Promise of Mujib Year, I
will protect the right to
vote".
District Awami League
Liberation War Affairs
Secretary
and
Muktijoddha Company
Commander Sardar
Abdul
Hakim
inaugurated the program
at the Upazila premises by
flying balloons on
Wednesday. Later,
colorful rallies and voter
lists were unveiled.
During the time,
Assistant Commissioner
(Land) Mohammad
Mehedi Hasan, Education
Officer Abdul Hamid
Sarkar, Upazila Social
Service Officer Samiul
Alam, Information
Officer Akter Jahan,
Election Officer Sumiyara
Parveen and others were
present.
National
Voters Day
celebrated
in Atrai
omAr FAruk, AtrAi CorresponDent:
National Voters' Day and
discussion meeting has
been held keeping in view
the theme "Promise of
Mujib Year, I will protect
the right to vote" at Atrai in
Naogaon on Wednesday
organized by the Upazila
Election Office at the
Upazila Parishad
auditorium.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer
Md. Iktekharul Islam
presided over the function
while among others, Md.
Abul Kalam Azad, Member
of Naogaon District
Council Md. Ferdousi
Yasmin R Chowdhury,
Upazila Women Vice
Chairman Md. Mamtaz
Begum, Former Freedom
Fighter Commander Md.
Akhtaruzzaman, Social
Service Officer Md. Abul
Salam,
Youth
Development Officer Md.
Fazlul Haque, Disability
Affairs Officer PM
Kamruzzaman, Abul
Hasan, Dr. Zakaria, Md.
Anwar were also present at
the occasion.
the national Voters' Day was observed through various programs organized by
the kaunia upazila election office on Wednesday. photo: Ashraful habib tushar
2,20,67,702 doses Covid-19
jabs inoculated in Rangpur
RANGPUR: Some 2,20,67,702 doses of Covid-
19 jabs were inoculated till Tuesday in
Rangpur division where the pandemic
situation is improving consistently during the
last two weeks, reports BSS.
Health officials said the Covid-19
vaccination campaign continues smoothly
through inoculation of eligible citizens with the
first, second and booster doses of the jabs in
the division.
Presently, citizens are being vaccinated with
five types of Covid-19 jabs from different
companies like Moderna, AstraZeneca,
Sinopharm, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac
across the division.
"Among the 2,20,67,702 crore doses of
innoculated jabs, 1,32,15,406 people got the
first dose and of them, 84,61,608 got the
second dose and 3,90,688 got the booster dose
RAJSHAHI: The government has, so far,
procured around 1.62 lakh tonnes of Aman rice
during the current procurement drive
contributing a lot towards ensuring food
security, reports BSS.
As part of the nationwide ongoing Aman rice
procurement drive, the government has
procured the food grain from all eight districts
in Rajshahi division. Faruque Hossain
Patwary, Regional Controller of Food, said they
procured around 1,62,312.85 tonnes of boiled
rice at the rate of Taka 40 per kilogram till
till Tuesday in the divsion," said Divisional
Director (Health) Dr Abu Md Zakirul Islam.
The first dose recipient 1,32,15,406 citizens
include 39,28,912 people vaccinated with
AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs, 52,18,964 people
with Sinopharm,1,31,876 with Moderna,
19,53,025 with Pfizer-BioNTech and
19,82,629 with Sinovac Covid-19 jabs.
The second dose recipient 84,61,608 citizens
include 19,85,710 inoculated with AstraZeneca
Covid-19 jabs, 48,61,975 with Sinopharm,
1,27,554 with Moderna Covid-19 jabs,
14,86,137 with Pfizer- BioNTech Covid-19 and
232 with Sinovac Covid-19 jabs.
"Meanwhile, the 3,90,688 booster dose
recipients include 3,78,069 vaccinated with
AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs, 9,529 with Pfizer-
BioNTech Covid-19 jabs and 3,090 with
Moderna Covid-19 jabs," Dr. Islam added.
Govt procures 1.62 lakh tonnes
of Aman rice in Rajshahi
Tuesday last.
He said the procurement drive of the newly
harvested rice is going on in full-swing
everywhere in the division that created a high
hope of ensuring food security.
Faruque Patwary said the government has
set a target of procuring 1,62,374 tonnes of
boiled rice during the current drive. He said
they will procure 2,904 tonnes of rice from the
growers directly. Contracts have been signed
with 3,951 millers for collecting 1,62,373.73
tonnes of boiled rice.
national Voters' Day was observed in Atrai in naogaon on Wednesday.
photo: omar Faruk
7
THUrSDAY, MArCH 3, 2022
Australians flee floods as toll
rises to 12, Sydney on alert
GRAFTON : Floodwaters crashed into
more towns on Australia's east coast
as a deadly storm front barrelled south
on Wednesday towards Sydney,
where the main dam began to spill
water.
The death toll rose to 12 in a weeklong
disaster that has washed cars
from roads and forced tens of
thousands of people to evacuate their
homes as waters lapped at balconies
and roofs. "This is terrible. This is
terrible. One life lost is too many,"
said New South Wales deputy premier
Paul Toole after confirming a third
death in the flood-hit town of Lismore.
After bringing havoc to Queensland,
the storm front moved southwards,
dumping vast quantities of water and
sparking a string of flood alerts in New
South Wales including Sydney,
Australia's largest city.
"Today, the focus is on Sydney. We
are expecting heavy rainfall over the
afternoon into the night and into
tomorrow," Toole warned in a news
conference.
Sydney's main Warragamba dam,
lying southwest of the city, had
reached capacity and started spilling
water in the early hours of Wednesday
morning, Toole said. He told residents
at risk to flee if they are told to do so.
"If you are getting a knock on the
door, if you are asked to leave, please
leave," Toole told a news conference.
"We are looking at substantial rainfall
over the coming days. We don't want
to see those images where people were
standing on the roofs of their houses,
not leaving and then having to be
rescued." In the coastal town of Ballina
in New South Wales, some 55 hospital
patients were evacuated overnighthours
before a high tide from the sea
combined with waters overflowing the
banks of Richmond River.
A "makeshift emergency
department" was set up in a Catholic
college for urgent cases, regional
health officials said.
New Zealand anti-vaccination demonstrators set alight their own protest camp outside parliament
Wednesday after riot police moved to end their weeks-long occupation of the legislative
precinct.
Photo : AP
Floodwaters crashed into more towns on Australia's east coast as a deadly storm front barrelled
south on Wednesday towards Sydney, where the main dam began to spill water. Photo : AP
Russia, Ukraine
ready for new
talks on war
MOSCOW : Russian and
Ukrainian officials say they
are standing by to resume
talks about their war, though
the time and place for
negotiations was unknown
and hopes for a breakthrough
remain low.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry
Peskov told reporters
Wednesday that "in the
second half of the day, closer
to evening, our delegation will
be in place to await Ukrainian
negotiators."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister
Dmytro Kuleba said
Ukrainian officials are ready
for new talks but said the
venue is undecided and Kyiv
won't accept any Russian
ultimatums.
Kuleba said: "Russia's
demands remain the same as
(Russian President Vladimir)
Putin announced in his
address before the war
started."
Peskov said Putin's culture
adviser Vladimir Medinsky
remains the main negotiator
for Russia.
The first round of talks on
resolving the Russia-Ukraine
war were held near the
Belarus-Ukraine border last
Sunday.
Hawaii to lift COVID-19
travel quarantine rules
this month
HONOLULU : Hawaii
plans to lift its COVID-19
quarantine requirement for
travelers this month,
meaning that starting on
March 26 those arriving
from other places in the
U.S. won't have to show
proof of vaccination or a
negative test to avoid
sequestering themselves
for five days.
Hawaii is the only U.S.
state to implement a
coronavirus quarantine
program of this kind.
Gov. David Ige said at a
news conference the
requirement saved lives
and was a major factor in
limiting the spread of
COVID-19 in the islands.
Hawaii has one of the
lowest coronavirus
infection rates in the
nation.
The quarantine period for
travelers lasted 14 days
when Hawaii first imposed
it in March 2020. The state
later created testing and
vaccination exemptions.
The state screened 11.3
million passengers since
the testing exemption was
launched in October 2020,
Ige said.
Those arriving in Hawaii
from outside the country
still must adhere to U.S.
federal guidelines, which
vary depending on
American citizenship.
International tourists do
not need to quarantine but
still need proof of
vaccination and a negative
test.
The governor said he
would maintain Hawaii's
indoor mask mandate at
least through March 25,
and would be evaluating
whether to lift it after that.
Hawaii is last state in the
nation with a statewide
mandate in effect.
The governor said state
Department of Health will
review recommendations
of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
before he decides, Ige said.
Ige said he wants to make
sure that public schools will
be able to continue with inperson
learning. He said
more people will be
traveling as spring break
comes, which could
increase the presence of the
coronavirus at schools.
"The pandemic is not
over. Tragically, we
continue to see those that
we know and love continue
to suffer from COVID-19,"
he said.
The governor said he was
proud of how the
community responded the
pandemic.
"It is about the people,
place and culture of all of us
here, coming from diverse
backgrounds but always
understanding that there is
a bigger reason to be willing
to sacrifice individual needs
to benefit the community,"
Ige said. "And over and
over again, we were willing
to do that."
Hawaii plans to lift its COVID-19 quarantine requirement for travelers this month, meaning that starting
on March 26 those arriving from other places in the U.S. won't have to show proof of vaccination or a negative
test to avoid sequestering themselves for five days.
Photo : AP
EU leader says
conflict must end
before discussion for
Ukraine'accession
BRUSSELS : Conflict should
end before Ukraine's
application to join the
European Union (EU) is
discussed, European
Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen said
here on Tuesday.
"Today, the European
Union and Ukraine are
already closer than ever
before. There is still a long
path ahead. We have to end
this war. And we should talk
about the next steps," von
der Leyen said when
addressing the European
Parliament plenary.
Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky on
Monday signed an official
appeal for the EU, asking for
an accession of Ukraine via a
new special procedure.
During the plenary on
Tuesday, Zelensky, who was
invited to make a speech
from Kiev via video link,
expressed his gratitude that
the EU countries were
unified in supporting
Ukraine but regretted that it
came after a high price was
paid.
European Council
President Charles Michel
responded by pledging to
look at the "symbolic,
political and legitimate
request" seriously, while
admitting the process will be
difficult.
Members of the European
Parliament on Tuesday
adopted a resolution that
called on the EU institutions
to work toward granting
Ukraine EU candidate
status, and stated that such
procedure should be in line
with proper EU terms.
Climate change to
uproot millions,
especially in Asia: UN
JAKARTA : The walls of
Saifullah's home in northern
Jakarta are lined like tree
rings, marking how high the
floodwaters have reached
each year-some more than
four feet from the damp dirt
floor.
When the water gets too
high, Saifullah, who like
many Indonesians only uses
one name, sends his family
to stay with friends. He
guards the house until the
water can be drained using a
makeshift pump. If the
pump stops working, he
uses a bucket or just waits
until the water recedes.
"It's a normal thing here,"
Saifullah, 73, said. "But this
is our home. Where should
we go?"
As the world's most
rapidly sinking major city,
Jakarta demonstrates how
climate change is making
more places uninhabitable.
With an estimated one-third
of the city expected to be
submerged in the coming
decades - in part because of
the rising Java Sea - the
Indonesian government is
planning to move its capital
some 1,240 miles (2,000
kilometers) northeast to the
island of Borneo, relocating
as many as 1.5 million civil
servants.
New Zealand protesters
burn camp after riot
police move in
WELLINGTON : New
Zealand anti-vaccination
demonstrators set alight
their own protest camp
outside parliament
Wednesday after riot police
moved to end their weekslong
occupation of the
legislative precinct.
Ending a previous lighttouch
approach, hundreds of
officers used perspex shields
and pepper spray to force
back protesters, who
responded by pelting them
with chairs, bottles and paint
bombs.
When it became apparent
that police were winning the
battle for control of the
makeshift tent city that
sprang up on parliament's
lawns three weeks ago, the
demonstrators torched it
themselves.
"This is not over," one man
yelled, while others chanted
"Shame on you" at advancing
officers as a thick pall of black
smoke enveloped the area.
Police deployed an earsplitting
sonic cannon to help
disperse the crowd and made
dozens of arrests in an
operation that began just
before dawn.
Speaking to reporters in
parliament after initial
skirmishes took place just a
few hundred metres (yards)
away, Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern backed the
force's tough tactics.
She said what began as a
movement against
coronavirus vaccine
mandates- inspired by
similar protests in Canadahad
turned toxic, describing
demonstrators' conduct as
"disgraceful".
"The protest has been at
times violent. Increasingly
we find misinformation and
sadly conspiracy theories,"
she said, also labelling the
camp a health risk for
Wellington residents.
"It has become a location of
interest, we know Covid has
circulated within the protest
and there have been
hospitalisations as a result."
Biden vows to check
Russian aggression,
fight inflation
WASHINGTON : Addressing a concerned
nation and anxious world, President Joe Biden
vowed in his first State of the Union address
Tuesday night to check Russian aggression in
Ukraine, tame soaring U.S. inflation and deal
with the fading but still dangerous coronavirus,
reports UNB.
Biden declared that he and all members of
Congress, whatever political differences there
may be, were joined "with an unwavering
resolve that freedom will always triumph over
tyranny." He asked the lawmakers crowding
the House chamber to stand and salute the
Ukrainians as he began his speech. They stood
and cheered.
Biden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian
defenders and the commitment of a newly
reinvigorated Western alliance that has worked
to rearm the Ukrainian military and cripple
Russia's economy through sanctions. He
warned of costs to the American economy, as
well, but warned ominously that without
consequences, Russian President Vladimir
Putin's aggression wouldn't be contained to
Ukraine.
"Throughout our history we've learned this
lesson - when dictators do not pay a price for
their aggression, they cause more chaos,"
Biden said. "They keep moving. And, the costs
and threats to America and the world keep
rising."
As Biden spoke, Russian forces were
escalating their attacks in Ukraine, having
bombarded the central square of country's
second-biggest city and Kyiv's main TV tower,
killing at least five people. The Babi Yar
Holocaust memorial was also damaged.
Biden announced that the U.S. is following
Canada and the European Union in banning
Russian planes from its airspace in retaliation
for the invasion of Ukraine. He also said the
Justice Department was launching a task force
to go after crimes of Russian oligarchs, whom
he called "corrupt leaders who have bilked
billions of dollars off this violent regime."
"We are coming for your ill-begotten gains,"
he said, pledging that the U.S. and European
allies were coming after their yachts, luxury
apartments and private jets.
"Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks, but he will
never gain the hearts and souls of the
Ukrainian people," Biden said. "He will never
extinguish their love of freedom. He will never
weaken the resolve of the free world."
Even before the Russian invasion sent energy
costs skyrocketing, prices for American
families had been rising, and the COVID-19
pandemic continues to hurt families and the
country's economy.
Biden outlined plans to address inflation by
reinvesting in American manufacturing
capacity, speeding supply chains and reducing
the burden of childcare and eldercare on
workers.
"We have a choice," Biden said. "One way to
fight inflation is to drive down wages and make
Americans poorer. I have a better plan to fight
inflation. Lower your costs, not your wages."
Biden entered the House chamber without a
mask, in a reflection of the declining
coronavirus case counts and new federal
guidance meant to nudge the public back to
pre-pandemic activities. But the Capitol was
newly fenced due to security concerns after last
year's insurrection.
Set against disquiet at home and danger
abroad, the White House had conceived
Tuesday night's speech as an opportunity to
highlight the improving coronavirus outlook,
rebrand Biden's domestic policy priorities and
show a path to lower costs for families
grappling with soaring inflation. But it has
taken on new significance with last week's
Russian invasion of Ukraine and nuclear saberrattling
by Putin.
Nearly 836,000 refugees have
fled Ukraine conflict: UN
GENEVA : Nearly 836,000 refugees have now
fled the conflict in Ukraine for safety in
neighbouring countries, United Nations figures
showed Wednesday.
In all, 835,928 people have fled the country's
borders, the according to the website of the UN
refugee agency, UNHCR-a huge jump from the
677,000 announced Tuesday afternoon by
agency chief Filippo Grandi. More than half
have headed west into Poland.
Some 2,500 migrants storm
border with Spain's Melilla
MADRID : Around 2,500 migrants stormed
the border fence separating the Spanish
enclave of Melilla from Morocco on
Wednesday, with some 500 managing to cross,
officials said.
The incident took place at around 9:30 am
(0830 GMT), the Spanish government's local
delegation said in a statement, indicating
"nearly 500 of them entered" despite efforts to
stop them.
THuRSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
8
Mercantile Bank Limited donated Tk.10 lakh to Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority for tree plantation
in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar at Mirsarai in Chattagram. Md. Quamrul Islam
Chowdhury, Managing Director & CEO of Mercantile Bank handed over the cheque to Shaikh Yusuf
Harun, Executive Chairman of BEZA in a program held at BEZA's head office in Agargaon recently.
In the first phase Mercantile Bank also donated Tk.10 Lakh more on 9th June 2021 as its social corporate
responsibilities. Abdul Azim Chowdhury, Executive Member (Administration & Finance),
Mohammad Hasan Arif, General Manager (Administration & Finance) from BEZA and FVP & Head
of Arambagh Branch Partha Sarkar and AVP & Head of ILM Division Tapon James Rozario from
Mercantile Bank Limited along with other officials from both organizations were also present in the
occasion.
Photo: Courtesy
World Bank announces more than
$1 bn in aid for Afghanistan
Brent oil breaks
$110 a barrel,
WTI up 5pc on
Ukraine conflict
HONG KONG : Brent crude
broke above $110 a barrel on
Wednesday and WTI was up
more than five percent as
Russia's invasion of Ukraine
continued to fan fears over
supplies of the crucial
commodity from the
resource-rich region, reports
BSS.
Brent climbed 4.88
percent to $110.09, while
WTI was up 5.06 percent at
108.64. Both are at more
than seven-year highs.
Vladimir Putin's incursion
into the neighbouring
country has seen world
powers impose strict, farreaching
sanctions on
Moscow in retaliation,
fuelling worries that exports
from Russia will be cut off.
Russia is the world's thirdbiggest
oil producer.
The conflict in eastern
Europe came as prices were
already soaring owing to
tight supplies and a strong
recovery in demand around
the world as economies
reopen from pandemicinduced
lockdowns.
Traders will be keeping a
close eye on a meeting of
OPEC and other major
producers, including Russia,
later in the day where they
will discuss whether to ramp
up output to temper the
price rises, which are helping
fan inflation.
Top oil producers likely to hold
course despite Ukraine war
VIENNA :Saudi Arabia, Russia and other top
oil producers are expected Wednesday to
agree to hold firm on only gradually opening
the taps despite Russia's assault on Ukraine
sending prices spiralling, reports BSS.
Both WTI crude and Brent broke above
$110 a barrel Wednesday. Brent is at a high
last seen in 2014, while WTI is at levels not
seen since 2013.
But analysts expect the 23-member
OPEC+ group at its monthly meeting
Wednesday to stick to a decision from last
year for an output target of 400,000 barrels
per day for April as well.
On Sunday, OPEC leader Riyadh
confirmed the commitment of the 13-
country group to the agreement with its 10
partners, led by Moscow, which faces
international criticism and sanctions over its
invasion of Ukraine.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
"affirmed the kingdom's keenness on the
stability and balance of oil markets,"
according to the Saudi Press Agency.
'Risk for disruptions' -
The gathering starts with a technical
discussion at 1:00 p.m. local Vienna time
(1200 GMT) followed by a formal meeting to
endorse any decision, scheduled for 1:30
p.m.
The meetings, held via video conference,
come a day after International Energy
Agency (IEA) countries agreed to release 60
million barrels of oil to stabilise global
markets. The United States will contribute
half of the amount, President Joe Biden
announced.
But the move has failed to assure markets,
and analysts have low expectations that
OPEC+ will take any decision to rein in
surging prices.
"The war in Ukraine is getting very ugly
and destructive and hostilities between the
West and Russia are intensifying. High risk
for disruptions to both crude and natural
gas," Bjarne Schieldrop of Seb said.
"Could OPEC help? Yes, but it will
probably choose not to," Ipek Ozkardeskaya
of Swissquote said.
'Paper promise' -
OPEC+ has so far resisted pressure from
major oil consumers, such as the US, to open
the taps more as some of its members,
including Nigeria and Angola, struggle to
meet quotas.
Between December and January, OPEC
members boosted their production by
64,000 barrels per day (bpd), far below their
400,000 bpd agreement, according to the
organisation's last monthly report.
"The pledge from OPEC+ to increase
supply is so far a paper promise... adding to
the shortness in the supply market and
further stoking the bullish price
environment," Louise Dickson of Rystad
Energy said.
The Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC), whose
secretariat is based in Vienna, had drastically
slashed production in 2020 as the Covid-19
pandemic began to spread through the
world, pummelling demand and prices.
Wednesday's meeting takes place at a key
moment as negotiations to revive the 2015
Iran nuclear deal are widely expected to
come to a head in the coming days.
The deal provided sanctions relief for
Tehran in return for strict curbs on its
nuclear programme but has been
disintegrating since former US president
WASHINGTON :The World Bank on
Tuesday announced more than $1
billion in humanitarian aid for
Afghanistan, stating the money will go
to UN agencies and international NGOs
while remaining "outside the control" of
the country's Taliban rulers, reports
BSS.
The reallocation from the Afghanistan
Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF)
follows the $280 million in ARTF funds
disbursed last December, and is aimed
at supporting the humanitarian
response over the critical winter
months.
The funds, to be delivered in the form
of grants, aim "to support the delivery of
essential basic services, protect
vulnerable Afghans, help preserve
human capital and key economic and
social services and reduce the need for
humanitarian assistance in the future,"
the Washington-based lender said in a
statement.
The bank suspended its aid to Kabul
late last August after the hardline
Islamist Taliban swept back into power.
ARTF is a multi-donor fund that
coordinates international aid to improve
the lives of millions of Afghans. It is
administered by the World Bank on
behalf of donor partners.
Until the Taliban took over, the ARTF
was the largest source of development
funding for Afghanistan, financing up to
30 percent of the government's budget.
Because the World Bank is unable to
provide money directly to the Taliban
regime-which is not recognized by the
international community-it has
redirected the funds to organizations
like UN childrens agency UNICEF in
response to the humanitarian crisis.
Afghanistan's population has faced
food shortages and mounting poverty
since the Taliban took over.
The objective of the new aid is to
"protect vulnerable Afghans (and) help
preserve human capital and key
economic and social services," the
World Bank said.
Toshiba CEO
resigns ahead
of vote on
spin-off plan
TOKYO : Toshiba's CEO
resigned on Tuesday, the
Japanese conglomerate said,
adding fresh uncertainty
after already revising plans
to split its businesses and
just weeks before a key
shareholder vote, reports
BSS.
Satoshi Tsunakawa had
been chief executive for less
than a year at the tech and
industrial giant, which has
lurched from crisis to crisis
in recent decades.
It comes ahead of an
extraordinary shareholder
vote on March 24 on
Toshiba's plan to spin off its
devices unit and sell "noncore"
business including
Toshiba Tec.
The proposal is a revision
of an earlier one to split into
three companies, which got
a mixed response, but
Tsunakawa's resignation
could spark another rethink
on the plans.
Toshiba said its new CEO
Taro Shimada would "lead
the company that will run
the energy and
infrastructure business"
after the electronic devices
segment is spun off in a
binding resolution to be
voted on in 2023.
Tsunakawa will continue
to serve as interim chair of
the board of directors,
Toshiba said in a statement.
The
sprawling
conglomerate dates back to
1875 and was once a symbol
of Japan's advanced
technological and economic
power, but it has been mired
in turmoil in recent years.
Having staged a recovery
after a series of scandals and
financial problems in the
2010s, it returned to the first
section of the Tokyo Stock
Exchange last year.
Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited has started two-month Foundation training
Course for Management Trainee Officers (MTO) of 2nd batch titled
'Foundation Training Course on Overall Bank Management' on 1 March.
Managing Director and CEO of the Bank Farman R. Chowdhury inaugurated
the training course as chief guest. AIBTRI Director General Md. Abdul
Awal Sarkar presided over the program.
Photo: Courtesy
Oil tops $110, equities sink
on rising Ukraine war fears
HONG KONG : Crude surged past $110 a
barrel Wednesday and equities sank with
investors growing increasingly fearful about
the Ukraine war's impact on global energy
supplies and the economic recovery, reports
BSS.
Vladimir Putin's invasion of his neighbour
has sent world markets into a spiral over the
past week, further fraying nerves on trading
floors caused by runaway inflation and tighter
central bank monetary policies.
The crisis has seen numerous countries
hammer Moscow with a series of wideranging
sanctions that have isolated Russia
and threaten to crash its economy.
The measures have injected a huge amount
of uncertainty into markets with supplies of
crucial commodities including metals and
grains soaring. The price of global staple
wheat is sitting at a 14-year high-having risen
30 percent in the past month.
But the main source of unease on trading
floors is crude, which has rocketed since
Russia began preparing to invade. On
Wednesday Brent topped $110 for the first
time since 2014, while WTI moved closer to
that figure. Incoming sanctions have fuelled
worries that exports will be cut off from
Russia, the world's third-biggest producer of
the commodity.
The conflict in eastern Europe comes with
prices already elevated owing to tight supplies
and a strong recovery in global demand as
economies reopen from pandemic-induced
lockdowns.
Traders will be keeping a close eye on a
meeting of OPEC and other major producers,
including Russia, later in the day where they
will discuss whether to ramp up output to
temper the price rises, which are helping fan
inflation.
In his State of the Union address, President
Joe Biden said the United States would join a
30-country deal to release 60 million barrels
to help temper the surge in prices, though
analysts have warned such moves would
likely only have a limited impact. The oil
price surge has compounded fears about
inflation as it sits at a 40-year high in the
United States and hurts Americans in the
pocket even as the economy rebounds from
the pandemic shock.
Modhumoti Bank Ltd handed over a cheque under Bank's CSR program amounting Tk. 1Crore (Taka One Crore
Only)as the Title Sponsor of "Dhaka Mayor Cup-2022" DSCC 2ndInter Ward Sports Tournament organized by
Sports & Cultural Standing Committee, Dhaka South City Corporation. In presence of Barrister Sheikh Fazle
Noor Taposh, Mayor, Dhaka South City Corporation, Md. Shafiul Azam, Managing Director & CEO of
Modhumoti Bank Ltd handed over the cheque in the press conference & trophy unveiling program held on
Wednesday, 2nd March 2022 at Mayor Mohammad Hanif Auditorium, Nagar Bhaban, Dhaka South City
Corporation. The tournament will start from 5thMarch 2022 where Sixty Two (62) Football teams and Forty
Eight (48) Cricket teams will participate from75 Wards of Dhaka South City Corporation. Farid Ahmed, Chief
Executive Officer (Additional Secretary), Dhaka South City Corporation, Md. Mokaddes Hossain Zahid,
Councilor Ward no. 24 & President, Sports & Cultural Standing Committee, Dhaka South City Corporation,
Dhaka South City Corporation, Shahnawaj Chowdhury, Deputy Managing Director& COO ofModhumoti Bank
Limited along with high officials of both the organizations, Councilor's of different wards of Dhaka South City
Corporation and other elites were present in the program.
Photo: Courtesy
Walton brand enters into Iraqi market
Started TV and washing machine exports
Bangladesh's electronics giant
Walton has commenced
exports of television and
washing machine under its
own brand logo to the Iraqi
market, an another milestone
towards achieving its vision 'Go
Global-2030' that means
becoming one of the best global
electronics brand by 2030, says
a press release.
Walton authorities made this
export announcement at a
programme held at Walton Hi-
Tech Industries PLC's
Headquarter on Monday last
(February 28, 2022).
During his visit to Walton
factory, Iraqi Head of Mission
in Dhaka Abdulsalam Saddam
Mohaisen inaugurated the
exports of Walton brand TV
and washing machine to Iraq.
Along with him, Iraqi Deputy
Head of Mission in Dhaka
Mohanad Al Darraji was also
present.
Walton's International
Business Unit (IBU) officials
informed that a renowned Iraqi
company named 'Noor Ishtar'
joined hands with Walton as a
business partner to sale and
market Walton TV and
washing machine in the Iraqi
market.
The Iraqi delegation was
welcomed at Walton factory
with flower bouquet by Walton
Hi-Tech Industries higher
officials, including Deputy
Managing Director Md.
Humayun Kabir and Alamgir
Alam Sarker, IBU Presient
Edward Kim, Senior Executive
Directors Col. (Retd.) S M
Shahadat Alam, Yusuf Ali and
Walton TV's Chief Business
Officer Engineer Mostafa
Nahid Hossain and IBU's Vice-
President Syed Al Imran.
The delegation enjoyed a
corporate video documentary
on Walton at the headquarter
conference room and then they
visited Walton's well-decorated
products display center as well
as some production units,
including refrigerator,
television and washing
machine. While expressing his
reaction at the briefing, Iraqi
Head of Mission Abdulsalam
Saddam Mohaisen said, "We
are very pleased visiting Walton
factory. You (Walton) are
encouraging bilateral business
through exports to Iraq. In
future, I will see more exports
from Walton."
He also noted that they are
trying to establish business
console between Iraq and
Bangladesh aimed to facilitate
bilateral trade and investment.
Iraqi Deputy Head of
Mission in Dhaka Mohanad Al
Darraji said, 'Walton is very
good and big factory. They
installed advance technologies
machinery in the
manufacturing plants. Walton
are exporting electronics
products to the European
countries. We will support
Walton to increase its export
volume to Iraq.'
Iraqi Head of Mission in Dhaka Abdulsalam Saddam Mohaisen, Deputy
Head of Mission in Dhaka Mohanad Al Darraji and Walton's higher officials
is inaugurating TV and washing machine export to Iraq through cutting ribbon.
Photo: Courtesy
thurSDAY, MArch 3, 2022
9
the tigers know that a winning start against Afghanistan in t20 series will be the toughest job for
them despite winning the three-match oDI series by 2-1.
photo: Ap
Tigers seek redemption in T20
series against Afghanistan
SportS DeSk
Bangladesh are eying to make a winning
start in the two-match T20 series against
Afghanistan, when they take on the
visitors today at Sher-e-Bangla National
Cricket Stadium, reports BSS.
The match which starts at 3 PM will be
aired live on Gazi TV and T Sports
Channel.
The Tigers know that a winning start
against Afghanistan in T20 series will be
the toughest job for them despite winning
the three-match ODI series by 2-1. While
the defeat at the last ODI match ruined
their momentum to some extent, their
track record against Afghanistan in this
format also dismal one.
Of the six encounters against this
opponent, Bangladesh won just two and
lost four matches, including being
whitewashed in a three-match series in
Hyderabad, India, the Afghans adopted
venue in 2018.
Last time the two teams met in this
format in a tri-nation series that also
included Zimbabwe in Bangladesh in
2019. Afghanistan in that double-leg
series beat Bangladesh by 25 runs at
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
but conceded a four-wicket defeat at
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in
Chattogram. The two teams moved to the
final but the match was washed out and
they are declared joint-winner.
As per the stat, Bangladesh though won
the last match in this format but at
Mirpur venue, Afghanistan won their last
match.
Bangladesh beat teams like Australia
and Zimbabwe at Mirpur but at this same
venue, there were whitewashed at the
hands of Pakistan in their last series in
November last year. The stat proved
Asian opponents have always an edge
over Bangladesh in Mirpur venue.
Bangladesh though played the ODI
series in Chattogram, risked to play the
T20 series in Mirpur, largely due to seek
an improvement in this format with T20
World Cup in Australia later this year in
mind.
The Tigers particularly want to improve
their first powerplay record in T20
Rohit takes reins as India set for
new era in Kohli's 100th Test
SportS DeSk
Rohit Sharma begins a new era as India's Test
captain on Friday when the two-match series
against Sri Lanka begins, as predecessor Virat
Kohli makes a landmark 100th appearance,
reports BSS.
Rohit is now in charge across all formats,
succeeding Kohli who drove India up the world
rankings but failed to lift any international
silverware.
Rohit, 34, reasserted his white-ball
leadership credentials with a 3-0 Twenty20
sweep of Sri Lanka on Sunday that gave India a
record-equalling 12th straight win.
Batsman Shreyas Iyer lauded the new
captain for his hands-on approach with players
ahead of the match in Mohali.
"He is amazing. He thinks from a player's
point of view," Iyer told the Times of India
newspaper. "He has got that mindset, where he
connects to every individual and knows what
he needs from support staff and coaches. I
really respect him a lot."
The spotlight though will be on "King Kohli"
who shocked fans when he quit as Test skipper
following his 99th Test at the end of India's 2-1
series loss in South Africa in January.
The star batsman, who stepped down as
Twenty20 skipper last year and was then
sacked as ODI leader, led India to great heights
including a stay at the top of the Test rankings
for over three years.
But Kohli's inability to win a global trophy for
a cricket-obsessed India seemed to be his
undoing as leader and Rohit was an obvious
successor, having led Mumbai Indians to a
record five IPL titles.
At least fans will be allowed to see Kohli's
milestone after the Punjab cricket association
backtracked to allow crowds of up to 50
percent capacity in Mohali despite Covid-19
fears in the northern city.
India's new vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, one
of several possible younger successors to Rohit,
said a win over Sri Lanka would be a perfect
"gift" for Kohli.
"It's a testimony of his hard work, of his
dedication to play 100 Test matches for your
country. So it's a great occasion," India's vicecaptain
Jasprit Bumrah told reporters.
He added that despite no longer being
captain, and being short of runs in recent
months, Kohli "will contribute a lot in the
future as well".
Iyer will be in contention for a place in the
Test eleven after his three successive unbeaten
half-centuries led India's T20 dominance in the
Twenty20 series.
Sri Lanka sit at the top of the ICC Test
championship points table with a 2-0 series
sweep of West Indies after depending on their
spinners in Galle, but the slow bowlers will not
find it easy against India's solid batting line-up.
India also possess a potent spin attack and
Sri Lanka's batsmen such as captain Dimuth
Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva will be
challenged by Ravichandran Ashwin and
Ravindra Jadeja operating on their home turf.
"Dimuth Karunaratne is one of the best Test
openers and he is going to be crucial up the
order," Sri Lanka's cricketer-turnedcommentator
Russel Arnold was quoted as
saying by cricket.com.
rohit Sharma begins a new era as India's test captain on Friday when the
two-match series against Sri Lanka begins, as predecessor Virat kohli
makes a landmark 100th appearance.
photo: Ap
cricket, which is the arena where they
time and again proved them to be
vulnerable. Bangladesh T20 captain
Mahmudullah Riyad said, this time they
will go into the game with a mindset of
making at least 40/45 runs in the first six
overs.
"It's the arena where we should
improve our game. We know a T20
World Cup is coming up and if we can't
improve in this arena, we'll fall in deep
problem. So the target is to score at least
40/45 runs in the first powerplay,"
Mahmudullah said here today.
Having said that he indicated, Munim
Shahriar, an uncapped player is highly
likely to make his debut given his ability
to play shots from the first ball in the first
powerplay.
Shahriar may not hit a big score but his
boldness to play his shot in the last Dhaka
Premier League T20 and BPL T20
proved him a player Bangladesh are
searching for in this format. He scored
runs at 152 strike rate in BPL and gave his
side Fortune Barishal always a whirlwind
start in the first powerplay.
Milan giants
play out dull
cup semi-final
stalemate
SportS DeSk
AC Milan and Inter Milan
played out a disappointing
goalless derby draw in the
first leg of their Italian Cup
semi-final on Tuesday,
reports BSS.
Milan, the nominal home
side at a boisterous San Siro,
had the better of the play
and opportunities but could
not convert their chances
into goals and head into next
month's second leg level
with their local rivals.
The away goals rule is still
in force in the Italian Cup
meaning Milan will have a
small advantage when they
are hosted by Inter for the
decisive clash.
"We played well, it was
difficult but we have another
leg to play," said Theo
Hernandez.
"We're giving our all and
having a great season. We
need to keep going and win.
We had a lot of chances, but
if you don't score you're not
going to win."
Serie A champions Inter
were poor and have now
failed to win in their last five
matches in all competitions
in a dip in form which has
also cost them their lead in
the league.
Inter, who are also goalless
in four games, are battling
for the Serie A title with
Milan and Napoli, who are
both two points ahead of
Simone Inzaghi's side and
face off in Naples on Sunday.
"We're still the best attack
in Serie A, we haven't scored
in four games but we'll be
back," said Inzaghi.
The winner of this tie will
play in May's final against
either Juventus or
Fiorentina, who will face off
in their first leg on
Wednesday in Dusan
Vlahovic's first match in
Florence since leaving for
Turin in January.
Doncic sparks
Mavs as Lakers
slump continues
SportS DeSk
Luka Doncic scored 25 points
as the Dallas Mavericks sent
the Los Angeles Lakers
spinning to a third straight
defeat on Tuesday, reports
BSS.
Doncic sparked a fourthquarter
fightback for Dallas,
transforming a six-point
deficit with just over seven
minutes remaining into a
five-point lead to help set up
a 109-104 Mavs win at the
Crypto.com Arena.
It was another frustrating
outing for LeBron James and
the Lakers, who had battled
back from a 21-point firsthalf
deficit to take the lead
after outscoring Dallas 31-14
in the third quarter.
Doncic was backed by
point guard Jalen Brunson
with 22 points while Dorian
Finney-Smith added 16.
The Mavericks improved to
37-25 to remain in fifth place
in the Western Conference
standings.
James led the scoring for
the Lakers with 26 points, 12
rebounds and five assists
while veteran Carmelo
Anthony added 20 for the
home side.
The loss saw the Lakers fall
to 27-34 in the conference
standings.
In Minneapolis, Karl-
Anthony Towns scored 39
points as the Minnesota
Timberwolves trounced a
depleted Golden State
Warriors 129-114.
Towns shot 14 of 22 from
the field and grabbed nine
rebounds while D'Angelo
Russell added 22 points and
Malik Beasley 20 from the
bench at the Target Center.
"Just trying to come out here
and lead by performance, and
do what I can," Towns said
after the win.
The Warriors were led by
Stephen Curry's 34 points,
but struggled to overcome
the absence of Draymond
Green, Klay Thompson and
Andre Iguodala.
Leicester dented Burnley's bid to avoid relegation from the premier League as Jamie Vardy
returned from injury to inspire a 2-0 win at turf Moor on tuesday.
photo: Ap
Vardy back with a bang as Leicester
dent Burnley survival bid
SportS DeSk
Leicester dented Burnley's bid to avoid
relegation from the Premier League as
Jamie Vardy returned from injury to
inspire a 2-0 win at Turf Moor on
Tuesday, reports BSS.
Brendan Rodgers' side stole the
points with two goals in the last eight
minutes as Vardy set up James
Maddison and then netted himself.
Burnley remain in the relegation
zone, one point below Everton, after
their three-game unbeaten run came to
an end in painful fashion.
A win or draw would have taken
Burnley out of the bottom three for the
first time since November.
But instead they will have to get over
a gut punch of a defeat that keeps their
top-flight status in severe peril.
"We weren't as good as we have been,
particularly in the first half. Without
being terrible, we just let soft things
against us, didn't play with enough
tempo," Burnley boss Sean Dyche said.
For Leicester, it was a welcome first
league win in six matches since they
Russian athletes' participation
at Paralympics under cloud
of Ukraine invasion
SportS DeSk
Beijing's Winter Paralympics
open Friday under the
shadow of Moscow's
invasion of Ukraine, with
questions remaining over
whether athletes from Russia
and its ally Belarus will be
barred from participating in
the Games, reports BSS.
As the first city to host both
Summer and Winter Games,
the National Stadium-known
as the Bird's Nest-will once
again light up for an opening
ceremony to welcome
hundreds of athletes from all
over the world.
Friday's celebrations could
be muted, with the lead-up to
the Games dogged by
controversy as the world
reacts with alarm to Russia
invading Ukraine.
That includes the
International Olympic
Committee (IOC), which on
Monday urged sporting
federations across the world
to exclude athletes from
Russia and Belarus, which
had hosted troops before the
invasion.
But it remains up in the air
if athletes from Russia-who
will compete for the Russian
Paralympic Committee
(RPC) following the country's
ban for state-sponsored
doping-and Belarus will be
barred from taking part in
the Games.
The International
Paralympic Committee will
have a meeting Wednesday
and a decision is expected by
the evening.
Much of the sports world
has reacted with solidarity to
Ukraine.
FIFA kicked Russia out of
the 2022 World Cup, while
rugby's world governing
body banned Russia and
Belarus from all
international rugby events
"until further notice".
Russian President
Vladimir Putin, an
accomplished judoka, was
also suspended as honorary
head of the International
Judo Federation.
With its civilian airspace
closed, half a million refugees
fleeing to neighbouring
countries, and Russian
troops closing in on Kyiv,
getting
Ukraine's
Paralympians to Beijing was
going to be a logistical issue.
Committee president
Andrew Parsons had said last
week it would be a
"mammoth challenge",
declining to comment
beat Liverpool on December 28.
"It has been a long time coming. It's
tough getting a big injury. To come
back and to be involved in both goals
and get the win, it's very good," Vardy
said after his first goal since December.
Rodgers added: "He's a real catalyst.
He makes runs and presses and is
normally in the right areas to score. To
have that quality and mentality back
will help us."
Leicester were first to threaten when
Youri Tielemans stole possession from
Dwight McNeil and tried his luck with a
long-range blast that cleared the bar.
Ricardo Pereira was much closer with
a snap-shot from just inside the area
that forced a fine save from Burnley
goalkeeper Nick Pope.
With Burnley defender Ben Mee
forced off with an injury before the
interval, the hosts were vulnerable and
Pope had to come to their rescue again.
Leicester forward Harvey Barnes cut
inside and unleashed a powerful strike,
but Pope was able to palm it away at full
stretch.
Connor Roberts drew a good stop
further for security reasons.
By late Tuesday, the
country's National Sports
Committee for the Disabled
confirmed its full team of 20
athletes and nine guides were
making their way to the
Games.
"I hope that tomorrow,
March 2, we will be in
Beijing," said Natalia Garach,
communications manager
for Ukraine's team.
The small Eastern
European country has
punched above its weight in
previous Paralympic Winter
events, with frequent
podium finishes in the
biathlon and ski events.
Neuroscience helping
Liverpool's quadruple
bid: Klopp
SportS DeSk
Jurgen Klopp said on Tuesday that neuroscience is helping
Liverpool's bid to win an unprecedented quadruple, reports
BSS.
Klopp's side won the first of the four major trophies they
are chasing this season with an 11-10 penalty shoot-out
victory against Chelsea in Sunday's English League Cup final.
Klopp believes his faith in cutting edge technology is
playing a role in his team's success.
The Liverpool boss engaged the services of German
company Neuro11 a couple of years ago to implement its
mental-strength training methods.
He has used the science to improve his squad's mindset at
all set-pieces, including penalties, with all 11 of their kicks
successful against Chelsea.
"Incredible impact. They are a fixed part of our coaching
staff. They are not here all the time, they are in Germany
obviously but they come over quite frequently," Klopp told
reporters on Tuesday.
"They were here for the last week, before that they were
here for five days.
"All the players are really excited about it and it's about
bringing specific players before a set-piece in the right
mindset by doing the stuff we do on the pitch."
from Leicester keeper Kasper
Schmeichel early in the second half.
Cornet was inches away from
breaking the deadlock when he
prodded just wide from McNeil's pass.
Vardy came off the bench for
Leicester in the 72nd minute as the
striker made his first appearance since
suffering a hamstring injury in
December. In Vardy's two-month
absence, Leicester had failed to win any
of their five league games.
He immediately had a sight of goal,
but hooked his volley well over.
Barnes' thunderous effort was
repelled by Pope, but Maddison finally
ended the Burnley keeper's resistence
in the 82nd minute.
Vardy controlled Schmeichel's long
punt forward and laid the ball into the
path of Maddison, who curled a superb
strike past Pope from the edge of the
area. Burnley's Wout Weghorst was
agonisingly close to turning in Ashley
Westwood's low cross.
But Vardy wrapped up the points in
stoppage time with a close-range
header from Barnes' cross.
THURSdAY, MARcH 3, 2022
10
Drama series ‘Cheater
and Gentleman’ to
air on march 12
TBT REPORT
Apu, Joy stars in 'Trap: The
Untold Story'
BT REPORT
Popular film actress Apu Biswas has paired up with
actor Joy Chowdhury in a new film titled 'Trap: The
Untold Story'. Filmmaker Deen Islam is directing the
movie.
The shooting of the film hasbegun at Bangladesh
Film Development Corporation (BFDC) from
Wednesday. 'Trap: The Untold Story' is the second
movie of Apu Biswas-Joy Chowdhury duo. The
shooting of their first film 'Prem Pritir Bondhon' by
Solaiman Ali Lebu has not been completed yet.
Besides, shooting of a song and some fighting scene of
the movie is yet to start.
Joy Chowdhury is very happy to pair up with Apu
Biswas again. He said, "I'm very happy that I will start
shooting for a new movie with Apu before completing
our first film 'Prem Pritir Bondhon'. The shooting has
begun yesterday (on Wednesday) at BFDC. The first lot
shooting will continue till March 15 at BFDC and
Uttara in the capital."
"Our first film 'Prem Pritir Bondhon' will be released
on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. I hope the audience will
accept the movie positively", he added.
Ezra hints at more of Ben's
'Batman' after 'The Flash'
Ezra Miller's latest social media
activity may have hinted that Ben
Affleck's Batman will continue
appearing in the DCEU after 'The
Flash'. The pair will share the
screen once again in Andy
Muschietti's upcoming Warner
Bros. film. However, if fans are
correct in their assumptions, it may
not be their last.
After co-starring in Batman V
Superman: Dawn of Justice and
Justice League, Affleck reunites
with Miller in The Flash as he
reprises his role as Bruce
Wayne/Batman. This is despite the
actor formally already leaving the
DCEU. His exit motivated Warner
Bros. to reboot the Caped Crusader
again with Robert Pattinson, who is
set to be introduced in Matt Reeves'
The Batman. However, Affleck may
not be bidding his DC superhero
role just yet, as Miller may have
hinted that The Flash won't be his
final outing as the Bat of Gotham
on the screen.
Taking it to his official Instagram
account, Miller posted a screenshot
of an article that talks about
Affleck's final appearance as
Batman in The Flash. The actor
then wrote over it with
"HAHAHA," as if mocking the
news.
It hasn't been long since Miller
also posted a cryptic video taking
on the KKK, and so without any
clear context from his latest post,
it's best not to assume what it
actually means. For what it's worth,
Affleck himself confirmed that The
Flash would be his final
performance as Batman, and
popular theory suggests that the
character would actually die in the
film. Instead, Michael Keaton's Bat
of Gotham, who will also be in The
Flash, will be the DCEU's primary
version of the iconic character.
Source: Variety
Four popular small screen actors Mir
Sabbir, Arfan Ahmed, Sazu Khadem and
AKM Hasan will be seen together in a new
drama series titled 'Cheater and
Gentleman'. The drama has been scripted
and directed by Sanjit Sarkar.
In the meantime, the shooting of a few
lots of the project has been completed. The
drama also stars Dr. Ejajul Islam, Abdullah
Rana, Faruque Ahamed, Urmila Srabanti
Kar, Nabila Binte Islam, Pran Roy, Airin
Tani and others. About the serial, Sanjit
Sarkar said, "I have always made dramas
on social content. The drama has a social
message. I hope 'Cheater and Gentleman'
Mahurat (inauguration ceremony) of the
government funded full-length children's
film 'Mike' based on the Bangabandhu's
historic March 7 speech was held on
Tuesday at Padma Life Tower in the city's
Bangla Motor area, reports BSS.
Writer and columnist FM Shahin and
Hasan Jafrul are jointly directing the movie
while Shahin is also producer of the film.
The cast of the film include actors Tariq
Anam Khan, Nader Chowdhury, Ferdous,
Tanvin Sweety, Jhuna Chowdhury, Iqbal
Ahmed and others.
Information Secretary Md. Mokbul
Hossain, Dhaka University Pro-Vice
Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal,
Awami League (AL)'s Lakshmipur district
unit general secretary and Lakshmipur-2
lawmaker Advocate Nur Uddin Chowdhury
Nayan, valiant freedom fighter Mafijul
Haque Sarker, Chattogram South AL Joint
will be appreciated by the audience." Mir
Sabbir said, "Sanjit Sarkar is a talented
director. He always makes dramas based
on good stories. We all have enjoyed a lot
during the shooting. Hopefully 'Cheater
and Gentleman' will be an entertainment
piece." The drama serial revolves around a
village named 'Bhadun'. The natural
environment of the village is changing day
by day. Because, many urban people make
their farmhouses in 'Bhadun'. The story of
General Secretary Shahjada Mahiuddin,
Bangladesh Awami Jubo Mohila League
Vice-President Advocate Koheli Quddus
Mukti, Sheikh Russel Foundation, USA
President Dr Ferdous Khandker, monthly
newspaper Onno Desh editor Al Amin Babu
addressed the Mahurat ceremony at
bbarta24.net and IP TV Jagaran's office at
Padma Life Tower. Speaking on the
occasion, Information Secretary hoped
'Mike' film will be an extraordinary creation
on the spirit of Liberation War and it will
turn into an asset of the Bangali nation.
Mokbul Hossain said film is very strong
media which easily reaches to people of
other countries crossing the boundary of the
country where it is produced. Film reflects
lifestyle of people and their culture and
heritage to its audience, he mentioned.
He said lesser films were produced on the
Bangladesh's Liberation War but the spirit
the drama goes forward with the conflict
between the villagers and the people who
came from urban area.
'Cheater and Gentleman' will be aired on
RTV from March 12.
Sanjit Sarkar is a noted small screen
director of the country. He has directed
many popular television dramas including
'Eti Dula Bhai', 'Cheating Master', 'Mojnu
Ekjon Pagol Nohe', 'Mamar Barir Abdar',
'Polashpurer Nolok', and others.
of the war is very precious to the people of
Bangladesh.
The information secretary said the film
will focus on very time-befitting features.
Prof Maksud Kamal said anti-liberation
forces are still active to destroy the ideology
of the Liberation War. The defeated forces of
the Liberation War are still hatching
conspiracy to create unrest in the country, he
said. He underscored the need for instilling
the spirit of Liberation War into the minds of
the new generation by presenting true
history of the struggle for independence
through films and documentaries.
AL Central Working Committee Member
Advocate Sanjida Khanam, actors Nader
Chowdhury and Ahmed Gias, actress
Tanvin Sweety, online portal bbarta24.net
editor Bani Yasmin Hasi, Bangla Journal
publisher and editor Habibur Rahman
Romel, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Press
Wing official Gul Shahana Urmi, Gourab 71
organizing secretary Rabiul Islam Rupom,
Bangladesh Chhatra League Organizing
Secretary Rakibul Islam Badhan were
present on the occasion, among others.
Madhuri says she felt independent in
US, could make decisions for herself
Actor Madhuri Dixit made her
OTT debut last week with
Netflix's Fame Game, where
she plays the role of a
Bollywood superstar. In a
career spanning almost over
four decades, Madhuri has
worked in more than 100
films, cementing her
superstar status in Bollywood.
However, in a recent
interview, Madhuri
mentioned that life as a star in
India wasn't easy for her.
Speaking to Bazaar,
Madhuri said that she grew up
in a very 'protected'
environment. She added that
her parents would accompany
her everywhere. Things
changed once she got
married, as she began making
decisions for herself. "I learnt
a lot about life living in the US.
When I was in India, there
would always be around 20
people fussing over me at all
times, but there I was very
independent," she said.
Madhuri mentioned that she
had to do everything on her
own, including bringing up
her children. Those
experiences came in handy, as
she says that she uses them
when playing a role.
Madhuri Dixit married Dr.
Shriram Nene in 1999, and the
couple has two sons, Arin and
Ryan. In an earlier interview to
indianexpress.com, Madhuri
Mahurat of
Liberation War
film ‘Mike’ held
revealed how her family kept
her grounded, despite her
superstar status. She had said,
"When I go in front of the
camera, I am a professional
actress and I know what I am
doing. I have read the script,
and I am playing that
character. I become that
character for the camera. But
once I am back home, I am a
normal person because that's
the way I've been brought up.
Even when I was working in
films, at the height of my
career, my mom used to scold
me to keep my room clean. I'd
tell her that I've people to clean
it for me, but she would say,
'No. It is your mess. You got to
clean it up yourself'. That's how
I am.
Source: Times of India
H O R O S c O P E
ARIES
(March 21 - April 20) : Today you might learn
something about a friend that could be rather
disconcerting, Aries. There could be a dark
side to this person that you weren't previously aware of, and
this could cause you to want to withdraw for a while and
reevaluate your involvement with this individual. When
considering it, remember that we all have our dark sides.
Could what you've discovered simply be this factor, or does
this go too far beyond it for you? Think about it!
TAURUS
(April 21 - May 21) : Outside responsibilities
might temporarily interfere with your love
life, Taurus. You may feel a strong desire to
get together with a love partner early in the
evening, but circumstances may necessitate your working
odd hours. This can be frustrating, as you've been looking
forward to this for a long time, but you could meet your
friend later in the evening. Don't be afraid to ask. Most
people understand when situations like this crop up.
GEMINI
(May 22 - June 21) : Today you're likely to find
your routine too boring for words, Gemini,
and may have a sudden powerful urge to cut
loose and play some serious hooky. Still, you
may feel the pull of obligation. This conflicted feeling should
pass. If it persists beyond today, however, you might need to
reevaluate certain areas of your life. There are lots of
opportunities out there, and life is too short to be stuck in a
situation that doesn't allow you to grow.
cANcER
(June 22 - July 23) : You could be feeling
especially sensual and passionate today,
Cancer, and you'll want to get together
with a love interest. However, other responsibilities
could get in your way. This could provide you with the
perfect excuse to sink into gloom, but don't fall into this
trap. Get whatever business you're facing handled and
out of the way. Or perhaps you can arrange to finish it
tomorrow. Then set up that hot date!
LEO
(July 24 - Aug. 23): You may feel a bit of
disappointment today, Leo. You might
tend to view whatever snags you've hit on
the path to accomplishing your goals as
personal failures, and if you let it, this idea could persist
with you throughout the day. Try to remain objective,
and don't lose sight of the big picture. You haven't even
lost a battle - at worst, it's a minor conflict! Chances are
that if you continue working hard you'll still win the war!
VIRGO
(Aug. 24 - Sept. 23): A rather disheartening
phone call could come to you today, Virgo.
This might bring news of a setback in one
of your projects that is only temporary but
nonetheless frustrating. You'll probably have to deal with
some trivial little details you'd rather not bother with,
and this could take up too much valuable time. Hang in
there - you're still doing well! Don't let your frustrations
get the best of you.
LIBRA
(Sept. 24 - Oct. 23): After the rush of
energy over the past few days, Libra,
today you may feel a powerful letdown.
Not every day can be filled with
adventure and excitement. For now, you just need to
take care of the routine matters that are a byproduct
of life on Earth. However, keep in mind that there are
many weekends coming up, and with the right kind
of planning you can get excitement back into your life.
ScORPIO
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) : A goal that you've been
trying to reach may be temporarily
stalled, Scorpio, and you could be
tempted to slip into despair, wondering
if it will ever really happen. Remember that the
keyword for today is "temporary." Whatever obstacles
are in your way will eventually be overcome and your
goal should be to continue to advance in the direction
you want. In the meantime, take care of your chores.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23 - Dec. 21): Today you might realize
that you need to make a certain purchase,
Sagittarius. Perhaps your home or car
requires some important repairs, or maybe
some new equipment is necessary for your work. This could
prove rather disheartening, as it might involve spending
money that you'd rather use for something more exciting.
Think of the trouble this expenditure should save you,
however, and you'll see the value of it all.
cAPRIcORN
(Dec. 22 - Jan. 20): The weight of too many
responsibilities, perhaps involving family, a
job, or group affiliation, could be very much
on your mind today, Capricorn. You may feel like Atlas,
carrying the world on your shoulders! You're tired. Perhaps
you need to reevaluate your commitments - your innate
kindness may have caused you to make too many. Fulfill the
ones you have, but think twice before making any new ones.
You're important too, after all.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) : You may have your
ups and downs today, Aquarius. You
could get at least one phone call of the
"good news, bad news" variety, and this
could have your moods swinging back and forth like a
pendulum. Try to stay centered. Take the good news
as encouragement, and as for the bad news, try to
consider it objectively and figure out ways to turn it to
your advantage. There's always a way. Hang in there!
PIScES
(Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) : Normally you tend to be a very
spiritually oriented person, Pisces, but today you
might find metaphysical concepts of all kinds
rather baffling. Whether these are ideas you've
embraced for a long time or new ones you've just discovered, you
may find nagging little doubts creeping in, temporarily causing
your faith to waver. This is a healthy development, however. A
little doubt now and then can weed out concepts that don't work
for you and reaffirm your belief in others.
Illegal settlements have been demolished in Tangail yesterday. Photo : TBT
GD-375/22 (4x3)
GD-370/22 (5x3)
GD-376/22 (6x3)
959 24.02.2022
PANI-629/2021-2022
386
National Voters’ Day
observed in Rangpur
GD-374/22 (4x3)
GD-371/22 (5x3)
GD-368/22 (6x3)
ThursDAY, MArch 3, 2022
11
RANGPUR : The fourth National Voters' Day- 2022 was
observed with the theme of "Mujib Borsher Ongikar, Rokka
Korbo Votadhikar" (Mujib Year's commitment is to protect WASHINGTON : Moscow's war on Ukraine solutions.
voting rights) in the city yesterday, reports BSS.
and the ferocious financial backlash it's "We are actually in uncharted territory,"
The Rangpur Regional Office of the Election Commission unleashed are not only inflicting an said Clay Lowery, executive vice president at
with the assistance of the Divisional Commissioner's Office economic catastrophe on President Vladimir the Institute of International Finance, a trade
chalked out programs including bringing out a rally followed Putin's Russia. The repercussions are also group of global banks. "We know there are
by a discussion at the conference room of the Rangpur menacing the global economy, shaking consequences that we cannot predict."
Regional Office.
financial markets and making life more For now at least, the damage to the overall
Deputy Commissioner Md Asib Ahsan jointly with perilous for everyone from Uzbek migrant global economy appears to be relatively
Rangpur Regional Election Officer G M Sahatab Uddin workers to European consumers to hungry slight, if only because Russia and Ukraine are
inaugurated observance of the day by releasing balloons with Yemeni families.
not economic powerhouses. Important as
a festoon on Rangpur Regional Election Office premises. Even before Putin's troops invaded they are as exporters of energy, precious
Later, a rally with participation of government officials and Ukraine, the global economy was straining metals, wheat and other commodities, the
employees, civil society members was brought out on the under a range of burdens: Surging inflation. two together account for less than 2% of the
streets to create awareness among youths on their voting Tangled supply chains. Tumbling stock world's gross domestic product. Most major
rights to give democracy an institutional shape.
prices.
economies have only limited trade exposure
Later, Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Abdul The Ukraine crisis both magnified each to Russia: For the U.S., it's 0.5% of total
Wahhab Bhuiyan virtually addressed the discussion as the threat and complicated the potential trade. For China, around 2.4%.
chief guest with Rangpur Regional Election Officer G M
Sahatab Uddin in the chair.
Rangpur Range DIG Devdas Bhattacharya virtually
participated in the discussion as special guest.
Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur Md. Asib Ahsan,
Superintendent of Police Md. Ferdous Ali Chowdhury and
District Senior Election Officer Farhad Hossain also
addressed the occasion.
The Senior District Election Officer delivered a welcome
speech narrating the importance of the day and necessity of
.821 01/03/2022 creating awareness among youths about their voting rights.
.820 01/03/2022
The speakers put emphasis on inspiring the voters in
exercising their voting rights to infuse democratic culture in
them for strengthening democracy to give democracy an
institutional shape.
The chief guest urged the officials concerned to create
social awareness and inspire the voters to cast their votes as
per their own choice to further strengthen the democratic
process.
Journalist Uday Hakim
joins Vista as
entrepreneurial director
DHAKA : Journalist Uday Hakim has joined Vista
Electronics Limited as an entrepreneurial director.
A function was organised at the corporate office of Vista
Electronics at Gulshan-1 in the capital on the occasion. The
Vista family cut a cake and greeted him with flowers on
Tuesday, reports UNB.
Uday Hakim was involved in journalism for 12 years when
he worked in Prothom Alo, Amar Desh, Channel I, CSB
News, Kaler Kantho and Risingbd, said a press release.
In 2010, he joined Walton and he was the Senior Executive
Director of Walton and the Advisory Editor of online news
portal Risingbd.com.
Vista started its journey in early 2021 with the slogan
'Excellence in Technology'. Vista has set up a factory at
Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park in Kaliakair, Gazipur.
Russia takes aim at
urban areas; Biden
vows Putin will ‘pay’
KYIV, UKRAINE : Ukraine's leader decried Russia's
escalation of attacks on crowded cities as a blatant terror
campaign, while U.S. President Joe Biden warned that if the
Russian leader didn't "pay a price" for the invasion, the
aggression wouldn't stop with one country, reports UNB.
"Nobody will forgive. Nobody will forget," Ukraine's
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed after Tuesday's
bloodshed on the central square in Kharkiv, the country's
second-largest city, and the deadly bombing of a TV tower in
the capital. He called the attack on the square "frank,
undisguised terror" and a war crime.
The assault on Kharkiv continued Wednesday, even as
Russia said it would be ready to resume talks with the
Ukrainian side in the evening. A Russian strike on the
regional police and intelligence headquarters, according to
the Ukrainian state emergency service. It said three people
were wounded.
The strike blew off the roof of the police building and set
the top floor on fire, and pieces of the five-story building were
strewn across adjacent streets, according to videos and
photos released by the emergency service.
In Wednesday's strikes, four people died, nine were
wounded and rescuers pulled 10 people out of the rubble,
according to the service.
Biden used his first State of the Union address to highlight
the resolve of a reinvigorated Western alliance that has
worked to rearm the Ukrainian military and adopt tough
sanctions, which he said have left Russian President Vladimir
Putin "isolated in the world more than he has ever been."
"Throughout our history we've learned this lesson - when
dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause
more chaos," Biden said. "They keep moving. And the costs
and threats to America and the world keep rising."
As Biden spoke, a 40-mile (64-kilometer) convoy of
hundreds of Russian tanks and other vehicles advanced
slowly on Kyiv, the capital city of nearly 3 million people, in
what the West feared was a bid by Putin to topple the
government and install a Kremlin-friendly regime.
The invading forces also pressed their assault on other
towns and cities, including the strategic ports of Odesa and
Mariupol in the south.
As the seventh day of the war dawned Wednesday, Russia
found itself increasingly isolated, beset by the sanctions that
have thrown its economy into turmoil and left the country
practically friendless, apart from a few nations like China,
Belarus and North Korea. Leading Russian bank Sberbank
announced Wednesday that it is pulling out of European
markets amid the tightening Western sanctions.
As fighting raged, the humanitarian situation worsened.
Roughly 660,000 people have fled Ukraine, and countless
others have taken shelter underground.
The death toll was less clear, with neither Russia nor
Ukraine releasing the number of troops lost. The U.N.
human rights office said it has recorded 136 civilian deaths,
though the actual toll is surely far higher.
One senior Western intelligence official estimated that
5,000 Russian soldiers had been captured or killed in the
biggest ground war in Europe since World War II.
Economic dangers from Russia’s
invasion ripple across globe
we`ÿ r/Rb-680(2)/1/3/22
Ò†kL nvwmbvi D‡`¨vM, N‡i N‡i we`ÿ rÓ
e¨e¯’vcK (ZË¡vt cÖ‡KŠt) Gi `ßi
dwi`cyi 50 †gtIt wcwKs we`ÿ r †K›`ª
weD‡ev, dwi`cyi|
†gvevBj bs- 01788075047
Managersifppp@gmail.com
Thursday, Dhaka: March 3, 2022; Falgun 18, 1428 BS; Rajab 29, 1443 Hijri
Bangladesh Army to become
a global-standard force to be
emulated : Army Chief
DHAKA : Chief of Army Staff General S
M Shafiuddin Ahmed on Wednesday
said that Bangladesh army will be
developed to a level of global standards
so others can emulate it.
The army chief said this while
addressing the closing and award-giving
ceremony of Bangladesh Army
Firing Competition-2022 at Cumilla
Cantonment.
In his directional speech, General
Shafiuddin emphasized on training
and instructed all army personnel to
achieve maximum efficiency in firing
through rigorous training.
He expressed his firm belief that the
Bangladesh Army will always stand
by the government and the people in
facing any challenge of the country,
said an Inter Service Public Relation
(ISPR) Press Release.
Earlier, General Shafiuddin distributed
prizes among the winners as the
chief guest.
The firing competition started on 27
February last month under the overall
management of 33 Infantry Division.
Isolated BNP is afraid
of elections:Hasan
DHAKA : Information and
Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan
Mahmud yesterday said the BNP is
scared of elections as the party
becomes isolated from the people.
"BNP becomes isolated from the
countrymen. For this, they are afraid
of elections and raising various questions
over the Election Commission
(EC). They have no relations with the
people and they become isolated from
the countrymen due to their destructive
politics. That's why, they don't
want to take part in elections," he
said.
The minister stated these while
replying to a query of journalists at
Bangladesh Press Institute (PIB) in
the capital.
Hasan said, in fact, the BNP does
not want polls as their party leaders
are convicted that Begum Khaleda Zia
and Tarique Rahman could not take
part in the polls as per the
Constitution of the country. They
have no interest in elections as the
duo couldn't take part in polls, he
added.
In fact, he said, the demand of an
election-period government is nothing
but excuses. "You all know that
they (BNP) tried to resist the 2014
elections. Even, they declared not to
take part in the 2018's polls. But later
they took part in the polls (2018) to
make it (elections) controversial," he
added.
The minister said Dr Zafarullah
Chowdhury was addressed different
meetings of BNP and all know that
he is an advisor of BNP. The new
chief election commissioner (CEC)
has been made from his
(Zafarullha) list and he expressed
his satisfaction and urged all parties
including BNP to keep confidence
in the CEC, he added.
But now the BNP is also denying Dr
A total of 16 teams of Bangladesh
Army from different regions participated
in this competition.
In the competition, 7 independent
ADA brigade team became champion
and 11 infantry division team became
runners up.
Corporal Md Abdul Alim of 11
infantry division team was named 1st
Best and Soldier Tuhin Mia 2nd Firer
and Captain Syeda Rafia Zaman was
named Best Female Firer.
The ceremony was attended by senior
officers of the Army Headquarters
and Cumilla region as well as officers
of various units and organizations,
JCOs and other ranks of army members.
The professionalism of the army
and its skills in firing are very important.
Firing exercises are an integral
part of basic military training.
Everyone present at the event
expressed hope that this firing competition
would serve as a source of
inspiration in improving the quality
of training of the army.
Zafarullah, said Hasan, also Awami
League joint general secretary.
Earlier, the minister joined a seminar
organized by News Broadcasters'
Alliance (NBA) Bangladesh at an
auditorium of PIB.
In his speech, Hasan said about 34
crore people are speaking in Bangla
across the globe and the position of
the language is seventh in the perspective
of population. Great Poet
Rabindranath Tagore was the first
person who got the Nobel Prize outside
of Europe in literature, he added.
He said it is very important to present
pure Bangla in all sectors including
in news presentation and the
media houses have responsibility in
this regard.
The minister put emphasis on regular
training on this issue.
He said the journey of private television
in the country began after
Bangabandhu's daughter Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina assumed
office in 1996.
Currently, 45 television channels
got license while 35 are on air, he
added.
PIB director general Zafar Wazed,
journalists Syed Ishtiaq Reza and
Manash Ghose addressed it as special
guests with NBA president
Mumtahina Hasnat Ritu in the chair.
Presenter Jafar Sadiq presented the
keynote paper in the seminar.
Later, Hasan joined a function of
the daily 'Somoyer Alo' marking the
third founding anniversary of the
newspaper at its office at Bangla
Motor in the city.
He congratulated the editor, publisher
and the journalists on this occasion.
Publisher Gazi Ahmed Ullah, acting
editor Komalesh Roy and executive
editor Harun-or-Rashid, among others,
were present.
Direct
teaching has
started at
primary
schools across
the country
with
enthusiasm.
The picture is
taken from
Binapani
Government
Primary School
in Gopalgonj
Sadar Upazila.
Photo :
Star Mail
PM Hasina assassination attempt
Fugitive death row
convict held in city
DHAKA : Police have arrested a fugitive
death row convict in a case filed over the
attempt to kill Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina in 2000. Azizul Haque Rana alias
Shahnewaz alias Ruman was arrested
from Khilkhet Bazar in the capital on
Tuesday, reports UNB.
Police also seized two jihadi books, two
mobile phone sets, a pen drive and a computer
hard disk from his possession.
Police recovered a 76-kg bomb in front
of a shop adjacent to Sheikh Lutfur
Rahman Govt High School on July 20,
2000 where Sheikh Hasina was supposed
to address a rally on July 22.
Another 40-kg bomb was also recovered
by an army bomb expert squad from
near Kotalipara helipad on July 23, 2000.
Three separate cases were filed in this
connection.
On March 23, 2021, a Dhaka tribunal
sentenced 14 people to death in a sedition
case filed over the murder attempt on
Sheikh Hasina at Kotalipara in Gopalganj
in 2000. Mohammad Azizul Haque alias
Shah Newaz was among the condemned
convicts.
Azizul was tasked with planting bombs ,
said police after interrogation.
After primary interrogation, police
came to know that Azizul remained
absconding for 21years and continued his
activities secretly. He worked as shop
keeper, book seller, driver and printing
press worker to hide his identity.
Govt let loose
police against
BNP, alleges Rizvi
DHAKA : BNP senior joint secretary
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday alleged
that the government has let loose law
enforcers like "hyenas" against its leaders
and activists out of fear of facing public
wraths, reports UNB.
"The Illegal political forces are
always sacred of facing public wraths.
They get terrified with the loud voices
of people. That's why they've let loose
the law enforcement agencies like hyenas
to foil BNP's different programmes,"
he said.
Speaking at a press conference at
BNP's Nayapaltan central office, Rizvi
also said the government is shedding the
blood of opposition activists through
attacking political programmes of the
opposition by law enforcers at different
parts of the country.
He accused the government of establishing
its control over every constitutional
institution from the Election
Commission to the judiciary by appointing
people who hold the spirit of Awami
League. "The entire nation has been
colonised by the government by placing
its own people everywhere.
The BNP leader said the government
has obliterated democracy and snatched
the civic and voting rights of people by
usurping power.
"They (govt) are using the state
machinery to brutally suppress the
democracy-loving dissidents. The same
way, they're now using its cadres and
police force to obstruct BNP programmes
across the country," he
observed.
The BNP leader said police and the ruling
party cadres resorted to various
repressive acts to foil their rallies
arranged for protesting the hike in daily
essential in Dhaka's Savar, Patuakhali,
Magura and Jhalakati.
He said police attacked their party's
peaceful rally on Dhaka-Aricha Highway
in Savar without any provocation. "They
charged batons on our leaders and
activists, leaving at least 15 of them
injured."
Rooppur power plant not
to be affected directly by
War : Planning Minister
DHAKA : Planning Minister MA
Mannan on Wednesday said
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant won't
be affected directly by the ongoing
Russian-Ukraine war as the project
is being executed completely under a
bilateral agreement with Moscow,
reports UNB.
"Equipment, manpower and
finance (for the project) are coming
through the single channel. No
third party is involved here. So, the
project will witness no direct
impact," he said while briefing
reporters after the meeting of the
National Economic Council (NEC).
NEC Chairperson and Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the
meeting, joining it from her official
residence Ganobhaban. Other NEC
members including ministers and secretaries
attended the meeting from the
NEC Conference Room and the
Cabinet Division's Conference Room.
Replying to a question, whether the
meeting discussed the war and its
impacts on Rooppur plant, being
built by Russia, the planning minister
said Bangladesh is against any war.
"The prime minister has clearly said
we are a peace-loving country. We
want peace," he added.
Though they are fighting, both the
countries are the friends of
Bangladesh, he said.
"Ukraine is our friend. And Russia
has been our friend for a long time.
We always recognise the Russian role
in our Liberation War. We had been
able to achieve independence despite
Protest against
price hike : BNP
men clash with
police in Savar
SAVAR : Over a dozen of BNP activists
were injured in a clash with police on
Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Savar on
Wednesday as the law enforcers allegedly
obstructed them from bringing out a
procession to protest the growing prices
of commodities, reports UNB.
Former MP BNP leader Dewan
Mohammad Salauddin said when the procession,
which was brought out from his
residence around 11am, reached Dhaka-
Aricha highway police dispersed the BNP
men. Police charged baton on the BNP
leaders and activists when they tried to hold
a sit-in programme in front of Rangaban
Nursery, alleged the BNP leader.
BNP convener Khandaker Shah
Mainul Hossain Biltu and Ashulia Thana
BNP leader Jahangir Alam were among
the injured, he said.
Kazi Mainul Islam, officer-in-charge
(OC) of Savar Police Station, said two
policemen were injured as BNP activists
threw brickbats on them.
Police detained two BNP activists and a
case will be filed, the OC added.
Earlier, BNP senior joint secretary general
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that
Awami League is increasing the prices of
commodities and utility services through
forming a syndicate. "The government
has no interest in controlling commodity
prices as they are busy in suppressing the
opposition party."
On February 24, BNP and its associate
bodies worked out an 11-day countrywide
programme, including demonstrations,
to protest the growing price hike of
key commodities and utility services.
The programmes were also taken to
push for the party's demand for the sale
of necessary commodities by the government
at fair prices at the upazila level.
Beginning on February 26, the programmes
will continue until March 15.
The fishermen
are catching
small fish with
a thick net
in at Char
Bijoy area that
have floated
in the bosom
of the Bay
of Bengal
adjacent to
Kuakata.
These nets
have been
kept all over
the place.
Photo: PBA
Dhaka, Riyadh "dynamic partnership" to reach new
height under inspired leadership : Saudi envoy
having many barriers due to their
bold role," he added.
Mannan said if there is fire, its heat
must be felt. "But the matter that
needs to be considered is whether the
heat is burning us or our body hair. I
still think that as of now we've not
reached that stage," he said.
Noting that Rooppur Power Plant is
being implemented completely under
a bilateral agreement, he said, its
equipment, machineries and manpower
were brought through airway
even during the Covid-19 lockdown in
the world.
"So, there is no reason that these
things can't be brought now. The
project still doesn't get the touch of
such wind (impact of the war)," said
the minister.
He said if the war lasts long in
Ukraine, the experts and scholarly
persons may assess whether there
would be any by-product impact of
the war on the project.
War leaves no impact on economy
yet:
In reply to another question over
the impact of war on the economy of
Bangladesh, he said the economy still
doesn't see the impact of the war as
well.
"As per my observation, still there is
no impact of the war here in our
country. But I can't say about tomorrow.
As of now, I'm not seeing it. Of
course, there is the heat of the
Ukraine war. But our economy doesn't
feel it adversely right now," said
Mannan.
DHAKA : Saudi Ambassador to
Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al
Dulaihan on Wednesday said the
"dynamic partnership" and longstanding
relations between
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will
further flourish and reach to a new
height, reports UNB.
"My utmost priority is to work for
the betterment of the people of
Bangladesh, maintain the good relationship
and take it to a new height,"
he said while briefing the journalists
at the new premise of the Saudi
Embassy in Dhaka.
Every year, the ambassador said,
150,000 Bangladeshis travel to
Saudi Arabia in order to perform
Hajj.
"We hope that, insha'Allah, after
getting back to the new normal we
will be able to accommodate the
Bangladeshi pilgrims like past
years," Al Dulaihan said.
In terms of manpower export, the
Saudi envoy said, solid contacts
have been developed between Saudi
Arabia and Bangladesh, which benefits
Bangladesh economy and the
lives of the migrant workers' families
as well.
The people of Saudi Arabia also
deeply acknowledge the contribution
of Bangladeshi workers towards
the development of the Saudi economy,
he said, adding that for both
countries, it is a "win-win" situation.
More than 2.3 million Bangladeshi
labours are employed in Saudi
Arabia in diverse fields, said the
Saudi envoy.
Despite the fact that recruitment
has been reduced or halted as a
result of the pandemic, Saudi Arabia
continues to take manpower from
Bangladesh, and the flights between
the two brotherly countries did not
stop or even suspended, he said.
During the last five years, the
envoy said, Saudi Arabia has issued
more than 1.4 million work visas
and on November 1 last year, they
issued almost 8,500 work visas in a
single day.
Now they issue 4000 visas every
working day. "We hope to keep this
trend going."
The embassy issued last week
more than 38000 work visas with a
new record of 12300 issued in one
working day.
To combat the Covid-19 pandemic,
the ambassador said, Saudi
Arabia through King Salman
Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center
provided medical commodity worth
US$ 1 million including 23 ventilator
set and more than 1.5 million
vaccines for Bangladesh.
He said Bangladeshis in the
Kingdom also received necessary
medical treatment for free assistance
as part of the Kingdom's
efforts in confronting Covid-19 pandemic
and distinguished relationship
between the two brotherly
countries.
"We are pleased to report that several
universities throughout the
Kingdom have raised the number of
scholarships available to
Bangladeshi students besides
employing faculty members," the
ambassador said.