Monday
Dhaka : November 16, 2020; agrahyan 1, 1427 BS; Rabi-ul awal 29, 1442 hijri www.thebangladeshtoday.com; www.bangladeshtoday.net
Regd.No.Da~2065, Vol.17; N o.221; 12 Pages~Tk.8.00
InternatIonal
Myanmar's ruling party grabs
majority of parliamentary
seats in general elections
>Page 7
art & culture
Legendary actor
Soumitra Chatterjee
passes away
>Page 8
sports
Salah confirmed to
have Covid-19 after initial
confusion over test results
>Page 9
Tk9 lakh looted
from Chuadanga
Sonali Bank in
broad daylight
CHUADANGA: Robbers looted around
Tk9 lakh at "gunpoint" from Sonali
Bank in Chuadanga's Jibonnagar
upazila on Sunday, reports UNB.
Ashraful Islam, security guard of the
branch, said three people wearing face
masks and helmets entered the bank at
1:15pm. "Within a few minutes, they
confined all the bank staffs including
the manager at gunpoint."
The robbers then looted everything
from the bank's cash counter and left
the spot.
Branch Manager Abu Bakar Siddique
said, "The robbers took away our
mobile phones and all the money from
the cash counter."
Locals said the robbers threatened to
shoot as they tried to stop them.
Trump finally
acknowledges
Biden 'won'
US President Donald Trump finally
seemed to acknowledge Sunday that he
lost the presidential election and won't
be president anymore from January
20th, 2021 even as he repeated his
claims that contest was 'rigged' in
favour of his opponent, president-elect
Joe Biden., reports UNB.
In amongst a flurry of tweets posted
on Sunday morning (US time), was one
in which he wrote:
"He won because the Election was
Rigged. NO VOTE WATCHERS OR
OBSERVERS allowed, vote tabulated
by a Radical Left privately owned company,
Dominion, with a bad reputation
& bum equipment that couldn't even
qualify for Texas (which I won by a lot!),
the Fake & Silent Media, & more!"
This was the first time he publicly
conceded that Biden won, fairly or not.
It came as a number of lawsuits
brought by his campaign in various states
mostly failed to make any headway in
court, more-or-less wiping out the possibility
that the result could be overturned.
Zohr
04:57 AM
11:50 PM
03:40 PM
05:17 PM
06:35 PM
6:13 5:13
Rohingya relocation
to Bhasan Char likely
to begin soon
DHAKA: Bangladesh wants to begin
relocation of Rohingyas to Bhasan Char
soon as the government finds the
weather and overall environment suitable
for such relocation, officials said.
The relocation is likely to begin this
month as the weather is improving, a
senior official told UNB.
However, no date is fixed yet to begin
relocation of Rohingyas to Bhasan Char,
he said. The government says Bhasan
Char is built in such a beautiful way with
many facilities in place and Rohingyas will
never try to return once they go there.
Bangladesh is hosting over 1.1 million
Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar camps in very
congested way. Some 100,000 Rohingyas
will be shifted to Bhasan Char.
"The Rohingya women have opened
parlour in Bhasan Char who are staying
there. It's a very beautiful place. Once
someone goes there, he or she doesn't
want to return," said Foreign Minister Dr
AK Abdul Momen on Sunday.
More than 300 Rohingyas are now living
in Bhasan Char. He said the government
wants to
reduce the risk
of deaths due to
landslides in
Rohingya camps during rainy season
easing burden on congested Cox's Bazar
camps.
Dr Momen said if any Rohingya dies
due to landslides, all will create noise saying
Bangladesh killed Rohingyas. "That's
why Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has
taken the decision to relocate."
The Foreign Minister said Rohingyas
are getting involved in drug peddling and
trafficking in persons in Cox's Bazar
camps. But if they go to Bhasan Char,
Rohingyas will get opportunity to get
involved in economic activities, he said.
In Rajshahi, the Foreign Minister said
international agencies and some NGOs
are encouraging Rohingyas not to go to
Bhasan Char.
"We believe Rohingyas will go to
Bhasan Char," he said adding that they
are taking Rohingyas there first to see the
facilities.
Several Bangladeshi media outlets
have recently visited Bhasan Char and
found the facilities there far better than
the Cox's Bazar camps.
Meanwhile, a joint letter on Bhasan
Char issue, written to Foreign Secretary
Masud Bin Momen on September 21,
was publicly released on Thursday.
How gaps in probes
stall Dhaka's fight
against black money
DHAKA : Bangladesh's National Board of
Revenue (NBR) seems to have all the elements
in place, except the investigation,
reports UNB.
In five years since 2015, when the
Customs Intelligence and Investigation
Directorate (CIID) was asked to operate the
Money Laundering Prevention Act, it has
filed as many as 82 such cases but is yet to
make any concrete breakthrough in them.
CIID's failure to link the cases against
anyone successfully in a court has been
attributed to setbacks at the investigation
stage itself "due to discrepancy in accounting
processes" by none other than NBR
Chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul
Muneem.
The NBR boss flagged the issue at a recent
meeting on 'Money Laundering and
Terrorism Prevention' , sources in the
bureau told UNB. "For this, he had emphasised
on collecting actual facts, figures and
sheets before filing of a case and a
chargesheet in the same."
The sources in the NBR said that of the 80
cases, probes into 50 of them are on. "But
the revenue collection authority has managed
to submit chargesheets in three cases
only. CIID has sought permission from NBR
to file charges in seven more cases."
Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption
Commission, Criminal Investigation
Department (CID) and CIID are jointly
investigating one case. Besides, CID is investigating
21 cases, which have been lodged
for frauds, according to the sources.
After completing investigation, the CIID,
the sources said, has already filed reports in
10 cases to NBR for getting an approval for
further action. Currently, there are some 15
cases of money laundering at the investigation
level.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday commissioned two offshore patrol vessels, five in-shore patrol ones, two fast patrol
boats and BCG Base Bhola virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban.
Photo: Courtesy
Mind Aid hospital
director remanded
in ASP Shipon
murder trial
DHAKA: A Dhaka court on Sunday
placed Fatema Khatun, a director of
Mind Aid Psychiatry and De-Addiction
Hospital, where Senior Assistant
Superintendent of Police Anisul Karim
Shipon was beaten to death, on four-day
remand in the case lodged over the murder,
reports BSS.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Baki
Billah passed the order as police produced
Fatema before the court and
pleaded to place her on five-day remand.
Earlier on November 10, Dhaka
Metropolitan Magistrate Shahidul Islam
placed officials and staff of the hospital on
seven-day remand in the case.
Those 10 remanded accused were- hospital
marketing manager Arif Mahmud
Joy, coordinator Redwan Sabbir, chef Md
Masud, pharmacist Md Tanvir Hasan,
ward boys Jobayer Hossain, Md Tanim
Mollah, Sajib Chowdhury, Asim Chandra
Paul, Md Liton Ahammed and Md Saiful
Islam Palash.
According to the police, ASP Shipon
was brought to the hospital at around
11.30am on November 9 for mental treatment,
but no doctor was present at that
time.
"The 10 accused took the victim to the
observation room on the second floor of
the hospital by force. They beat him
repeatedly there, at one stage a couple of
them pinned him on the ground and
thrashed him on head and shoulder.
They tied the victim with a scarf," the
investigation officer said.
Commuters are not allowed to walk and get down off busses on flyover. Still no rules and regulations are being followed.
The photo was taken from 'Mayor Mohammad Hanif' flyover in the capital on Sunday.
Photo: Star Mail
Bangladesh Coast Guard
to be strengthened: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said
the Bangladesh Coast Guard will be
strengthened so that they can play a
role in helping the government tap the
potential of the 'Blue Economy', a press
release said.
"Keeping in mind the Blue Economy
and Vision 2030 and 2041 for Coast
Guard, the government has planned to
increase its manpower from 4,781 to
15,000 gradually," she said on Sunday.
The Prime Minister said this while
addressing the commissioning programme
of two offshore patrol vessels,
five in-shore patrol ones, two fast patrol
boats and BCG Base Bhola.
The programme was held at Coast
Guard Berth Patenga while the Prime
Minister joined it virtually from her official
residence Ganobhaban.
Sheikh Hasina asked the Bangladesh
Coast Guard members to discharge
their responsibilities with patriotism,
honesty and faith.
"You'll to pay a special attention [to
your duties] so that the good image of
the Coast Guard remains unharmed
always," she said.
The Prime Minister assured the force
of all-out cooperation from the government
in maintaining its forward march.
"I can give you that assurance."
She said Narayanganj dockyard and
Khulna shipyard, now operating under
Bangladesh Navy, are building two
inshore patrol vessels, one floating
300 more ventilators to be
procured to face COVID-19
pandemic : Maleque
crane, two tugboats and 16 boats.
"Soon, these will be inducted in the
Coast Guard fleet."
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that a
dockyard is being prepared in Gajaria
for the Coast Guard to increase its
capacity of repairing and maintenance.
"To enhance the capacity of this force,
initiatives have been taken to procure
hovercraft, drone, 3500 metric-tonne
vessel which can in all weathers. We
want to build the Coast Guard as a
modern and time befitting force," the
Prime Minister said.
Terming Bangladesh a land of natural
calamities, she said the people of the
country have to live facing all these natural
adversities. "We've to live with
these, we've to put our attention
towards saving the lives of people facing
all the odds, we've to acquire that capabilities."
Hasina said Bangladesh has got a vast
ocean boarder which can be utilised for
the economic development of the country.
"The Bay of Bengal is a very important
ocean, trade and commerce of
many countries run through this area."
The Prime Minister mentioned that
the government wants to ensure security
in coastal districts and improve their
economic condition.
Director General of Bangladesh
Coast Guard Rear Admiral M Ashraful
Haque also spoke at the programme
from Coast Guard Berth, Patenga.
DHAKA: Health and Family Welfare
Minister Zahid Maleque on Sunday
said the government has decided to
purchase 300 more ventilators to deal
coronavirus pandemic successfully,
reports BSS.
"Ventilators are very effective medical
facilities for critically infected COVID-19
patients… we are mulling procurement
of 300 more ventilators at the quickest
possible time," he told a function at
Kurmitola General Hospital in the city.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R.
Miller handed over 100 ventilators to
the health minister at the function, an
official release said.
Director General of Directorate
General of Health Services (DGHS) Prof
Dr Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid
Alam, Director of Kurmitola General
Hospital Brigadier General, senior officials
of the health ministry and physicians,
among others, were present at the
function.
Maleque described the US as a trusted
friend and added that both the countries
were committed to strengthen existing
friendly relations to fight the pandemic.
The US government deserves special
appreciation from Bangladesh as the
country (USA) is extending its both
financial and technical supports to contain
the outbreak of the deadly virus.
The US ambassador expressed his
gratitude as Bangladesh provided
much-needed healthcare equipment -
Personal protective equipment (PPE) -
to protect the US medical professionals
from the pandemic.
He said the US government wants
to work with Bangladesh through
strengthening existing relations further
to handle the deadly disease successfully.
MondAY, noveMber 16, 2020
2
Treasurer of narsingdi Prabin Hitaishi Sangha and member of narsingdi Samajik nagorik Awaj
belayet Hossain's remembrance meeting and doa mahfil has been held recently. From the left side
Abdul Kasem Sarkar, Md. Imam Hossain-member of Prabin Sangha, Shahidullah bhuiyan president
of Prabin Sangha, A. rashid, General Secretary of Samajik nagorik Awaj K. M. Kamrul Islam and
president of Samajik nagorik Awaj M. Kamal Hossain and son of the late belayet Hossain,Md rasel
were present in the program.
Photo: Courtesy
Thousands rally behind Trump,
insisting he won race he lost
WASHINGTON : Fervent supporters of
President Donald Trump rallied in
Washington on Saturday behind his
spurious claim of a stolen election and
swarmed his motorcade in adulation
when he detoured for a drive-by on his
way out of town, reports UNB.
Hours later, after night fell in the
nation's capital, demonstrators favoring
Trump clashed in the streets with
counterprotesters, videos posted on social
media showing fistfights, projectiles and
clubs. Police arrested at least 20 people on
a variety of charges, including assault and
weapons possession, officials said. One
stabbing was reported, two police officers
were injured and several firearms were
also recovered by police.
A week after Democrat Joe Biden was
declared the winner of the election,
demonstrations in support of Trump also
took place in other cities. Fury at the
prospect of a transfer of executive power
showed no signs of abating, taking a cue
the president's unrelenting assertion of
victory in a race he actually lost.
"I just want to keep up his spirits and let
him know we support him," one loyalist,
Anthony Whittaker of Winchester,
Virginia, said from outside the Supreme
Court, where a few thousand assembled
after a march along Pennsylvania Avenue
from Freedom Plaza, near the White
House. A broad coalition of top
government and industry officials has
declared that the Nov. 3 voting and the
following count unfolded smoothly with
no more than the usual minor hiccups -
"the most secure in American history,"
they said, repudiating Trump's efforts to
undermine the integrity of the contest.
In Delray Beach, Florida, several
hundred people marched, some carrying
signs reading "Count every vote" and "We
cannot live under a Marxist government."
In Lansing, Michigan, protesters gathered
at the Capitol to hear speakers cast doubt
on results that showed Biden winning the
state by more than 140,000 votes.
Phoenix police estimated 1,500 people
gathered outside the Arizona Capitol to
protest Biden's narrow victory in the state.
Protesters in Salem, Oregon, gathered at
the Capitol.
PM mourns legendary
actor Soumitra's death
DHAkA: Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina on Sunday
expressed deep shock and
sorrow at the death
of legendary actor of
West Bengal Soumitra
Chattterjee, reports BSS.
In a condolence message,
she said a big vacuum has
been created in the acting
arena due to the death of this
brilliant actor. "Soumitra
Chatterjee will remain in the
hearts of people through his
creative works," she said.
Moon sighting committee
meets today
DHAkA: A meeting of the
National Moon Sighting
Committee will be held on
Monday to review the
reports of moon sighting of
Arabic month RabiusSani
of 1442 Hijri, reports BSS.
The meeting will be held
at the Islamic Foundation's
Baitul Mukarram office
here at 6.15pm, said a press
release today. People are
requested to inform the
concerned district Deputy
Commissioner or Upazila
Nirbahi Officer or the
committee over the
following phone and fax
numbers if they see the
moon from anywhere of
the country, the release
added.
GD- 1521/20 (6 x 3)
GD- 1515/20 (10 x 4)
GD- 1526/20 (12 x 4)
METRO
mondAY, november 16, 2020
3
dhaka declaration on defending
media freedom launched
Dhaka: a Dhaka Declaration was
launched on Sunday defending media
freedom, journalists' protection and
citizen's rights from the grassroots level
to international institutions, reports
UNB.
The declaration came ahead of the
second 'Global Conference for Media
Freedom-2020' which will be held on
November 16 virtually.
Canada and Botswana will co-host the
conference which will provide a forum to
strengthen joint efforts in defending
media freedom worldwide, connect with
journalists and media workers, civil
society and governments.
The Dhaka Declaration has been
developed based on the
recommendations put forward by the
participants at the virtual consultation on
Defending Media Freedom for
Democracy and Citizen's Rights in
Bangladesh organized by aRTICLE 19
Bangladesh and South asia in
collaboration with the Canadian high
Commission and the British high
Commission in Dhaka on November 2.
More than 140 human-rights
defenders, human rights-based
organizations, local and national level
journalists, activists, law experts,
professors and civil society
representatives signed the declaration
until November 14, said a media release.
a broad group of experts, including
journalists, media organizations,
international organizations, head of the
international missions and embassies,
academics, law experts, bloggers,
activists, human rights defenders,
women, and marginalized journalist
groups, youth leaders, and civil society
representatives attended the consultation
and discussed how to address the
challenges to media freedom and the role
of media in a vibrant democracy.
The Dhaka Declaration covered a range
of topics concerning media freedom and
civic space in Bangladesh.
It highlighted three foremost concerns:
prevention, protection, and prosecution;
in relation to the four key priorities:
Media Freedom and Democracy; Safety
of Journalists and Right to Information
(RTI); Gender and Social inclusion; and
Youth Leadership Building to claim civic
space.
GD- 1525/20 (15 x 4)
GD- 1529/20 (20 x 4)
Monday, novEMbEr 16, 2020
4
our response cannot be based on nationalism’
Acting Editor & Publisher : Jobaer Alam
e-mail: editor@thebangladeshtoday.com
Monday, November 16, 2020
For a balanced and consistent
foreign policy
Geographic location of Bangladesh has made it geopolitically as
well as geo-strategically significant in the South Asia which is
now at the center of international politics along with the
Europe, South-East Asia and the already volatile Middle East.
Bangladesh is a claimant of sufficient attention while discussing
about rising importance of the South Asia in global politics as it occupies
some but very crucial part of the region. The country has now
largely attracted America's attention mainly for two reasons. First
one is the possibility of the rise of religious extremism and the other
one is the geo-strategic setting of the country in South Asia and on
the edge of the Bay of Bengal.
The key to understanding geo-strategic significance of a country is
the comprehensive apprehension of the country's geographical setting.
Bangladesh is almost entirely surrounded by India. Importantly,
its close geographical proximity with China often times vexes the
US a great deal as China is considered as America's strategic rival in
Asia. In this way Bangladesh is a close neighbor of the two leading
members of BRICS, an organization formed with a view to countering
the monopolizing of power of the US, and undoing her claim of
'unipolarity'. In addition, Bangladesh shares 'small but crucial' land
boundary with Myanmar which is a Chinese ally on the other hand.
It stands in the Bay of Bengal as a bridge between the two regional
blocs- SAARC and ASEAN. Bangladesh's geographic setting on the
edge of the Bay of Bengal, and its access to Indian ocean entice the
US into making it a strategic partner with a view to safeguarding its
interests vis-à-vis China, India, and Myanmar, and allure it to establish
naval base at Bangladesh's territorial seas.
However, it is apparent from different analyses that Bangladesh
also depicts same geo-strategic significances to China in the region.
China has over the decades improved its relations vis-à-vis the developing
countries of Asia as well as Africa. Especially China's relations
with Bangladesh and Pakistan are notable. Russia aside, China has
also agreed to provide Bangladesh with assistances for peaceful use
of nuclear energy for medicine and electricity generation along with
military assistance. By expanding its hands of cooperation , China is
now longing for maintaining friendly relations with Bangladesh , and
sustaining in this way her influence on the country. Such a development
in their bilateralism often makes the US vexed since
Bangladesh is an 'exclusive option' for securing its strategic interests
in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Since the end of second World War, the Bay of Bengal and Indian
Ocean regions have drawn immense global attention and been
increasingly militarized by the great powers in order to defend their
own interests. The US and China are the two main 'nonnative' great
players of geopolitical games in these regions. However, the US naval
base, if once it gets established, in Bangladesh's territorial seas would
possibly be converted into a permanent base for US/NATO militaries
as it is perceived as a 'strategic necessity' of the United States
to strengthen its naval presence not just in the region but in the
South China sea and whole Asia- Pacific region.
Pertinent to be mentioned here , America's naval strategy is to
project itself as a 'resident Pacific power' and thus to ensure for itself
the global maritime supremacy. Generally America's naval strategy
is mostly affected by Alfred Thayer Mahan who was the Union
Navy's Rear Admiral and most distinguished US naval strategist of
the 19th century. Mahan in his legendary work 'The Influence of Sea
Power Upon History, 1660-1783' had accentuated greater sea power
for greater global ascendency.
However, President Obama in his first term reinvigorated US's
naval strategic policy towards the Asia-Pacific. In 2010, Hilary Clinton
during her office as Secretary of State even declared in a speech
at the East-West Centre in Hawaii that 'America's future is linked to
the Asia-Pacific and the future of the region depends on America'.
Nonetheless, the United States has now become irked by China's
gradual moves towards the Indian Ocean and naval base establishment
in the South China Sea which will significantly expand its
strategic presence in the area by enabling its increased submarine
activities.
China has already established a surveillance base in Myanmar's
Coco Islands. Contrarily, the US has deepened its military ties with
the Philippines, Singapore and Australia with a view to countering
Chinese maritime rise in the regions. The United States has already
taken initiatives vis-à-vis the rotational deployment of 2,500 US
marines in Darwin- Australia, and the deployment of up to four of its
Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in Singapore.
Hence the continued militarization in the Indian Ocean and
beyond by USA and China would result in greater volatility in the
regions. America's 7th fleet in the Bay of Bengal that directly connects
the Indian Ocean, might lead to a tripartite- Indo- Bangladesh-
US strategic partnership against the rise of China's maritime ascendency.
But in consequences the whole scenario would menace the
Indian national security as it would fall into between one friend and
one foe ( the US and China respectively). Rijul Singh Uppal , an Indian
writer , has expressed concerns over the possibility that the 7th
fleet would undermine the Indian current maritime dominance, and
bring all Indian missile test sites on its eastern coast under direct US
surveillance.
Rijul suggests New Delhi has to have a stab at urging Dhaka not to
let the US park the 7th fleet in Bangladesh's territorial seas in the Bay
of Bengal. Hence , to improve ties with Dhaka is again a 'strategic
necessity' of New Delhi, which on the other hand provides Dhaka
with a prerogative in diplomatic bargains on efficaciously resolving
the issues of Teesta Water crisis, disputes over land and maritime
boundaries, and BSF's continued border killings etc.
So, it is pertinent to say that aforementioned aspects of geo-strategic
and geopolitical dimensions of Bangladesh can help empathize
with its potentiality and increasing significance in international politics.
The country is now a claimant of great appreciation in regional
as well as global politics despite its diminutive figure in the global
map. Geo-strategic and geopolitical implications of Bangladesh draw
the attention of not just the US but of the other regional and global
powers.
So, the politicians and the bureaucrats should now make a stab at
reassessing and reckoning the country's growing geo-strategic
importance. They ought to prioritize the highest national interests
over the regime interests while formulating policies vis-à-vis other
countries. Generally, Bangladesh's foreign policy is formulated
upon the basis of the regime interests. Consequently, regime
changes lead to the frequent changes of foreign policy which can
contribute less, and /or be proved ineffectual while dickering with
other partners on particular issues. Therefore, Bangladesh needs to
have a stab at formulating a very viable and consistent foreign policy
for securing and upholding its national interests at the regional
and international levels.
The upcoming G20 Summit will be
truly historic: It will be the first
ever to be chaired by an Arab
country, and will take place in the
exceptional context of the coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the
particularly troubled times we live in
when international cooperation and
solidarity are more important than ever.
By calling an extraordinary Leaders'
Summit on March 26 to address the
consequences of the pandemic, Saudi
Arabia rose to the gravity of the global
health crisis.
In another first, the Kingdom has also
been able to organize the November
summit in virtual mode.
Since last December, the Saudi
presidency of the G20 has been
exemplary and I welcome the wise
decision-making and responsibility that
Saudi Arabia has exhibited in recent
months.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an
unprecedented impact on the global
economy and the livelihoods of people
throughout the world, while revealing
vulnerabilities in our preparedness and
response and highlighting common
challenges.
The G20 had to rise to this historic
challenge, which is why French
President Emmanuel Macron pleaded
for an ambitious G20, one that would be
capable of addressing global issues
which could not be resolved by
countries in isolation but only through
increased international cooperation.
The most urgent challenge has been
organizing the international response to
the pandemic.
France considers that the World
Health Organization is the proper
framework within which we must
develop and implement our collective
THE season of rallies is upon us.
There has been a lot of talk about
mid-term or early elections by the
opposition political parties and the media.
Even Prime Minister Imran Khan, though
dismissive of the demand, has alluded to it
with caveats. It does not matter when the
general elections are held between now
and 2023; the country will likely remain in
election mode.
This gives the electorate a wider-thanusual
window of opportunity to assess
what the major political parties have been
promising in their manifestos through the
past few elections, and demand that each
one of them presents a new and precise
road map to take the country out of the
morass.
The media and civil society must help
the layperson unbundle the rhetoric that
litters the election manifestos. It is not
rocket science for us to come up with a
brief list of questions concerned with the
big picture as well as the most basic needs
and rights of the person on the street.
The electorate should simply refuse to
be entertained by the spectacle of 'Kaun
Banega PM' (who will be prime minister).
Let us not care who among the Sharifs it
will be; Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari or his
father; or if the Pakistan Democratic
Movement proposes to form a broad
coalition filling the Prime Minister's Office
by turns, like the Chief Minister's Office
was in Balochistan between 2013 and
2017. What we should demand is that
each party announce its finance minister
for the next administration. If they dare
come up with tried and tested loyalists of
answer; it is important that the G20
gives its full support to this
organization.
Our response to a pandemic cannot be
based on nationalism or competition:
We therefore promote fair and
affordable access to COVID-19
diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines
and support the Access to COVID-19
Tools Accelerator (ACT-A) initiative and
its COVAX facility, as well as the
voluntary licensing of intellectual
property.
The world's most fragile economies,
particularly in Africa, have been hit very
hard by the pandemic. This continent
now faces the real risk that some
countries will slide back into a spiral of
poverty and over-indebtedness.
For years, France has persistently
asked the G20 to make a commitment
to supporting Africa. In close
coordination with the Saudi presidency,
we have achieved the establishment of a
moratorium on the debt of the poorest
countries until 2021.
The G20 must be an opportunity to
reaffirm the importance of
implementing the Paris Agreement.
This moratorium, though, is only one
aspect of the problem: In order to
prevent debt from hampering
a lot to answer
the ruling families or the imported types,
we must be ready with their scorecards
from their past stints in power.
The politicians must present new
manifestos for the next polls.
The incumbents will be skewered by the
price hike that the common folk are
getting crushed under for as long as they
remain in office. We must also ask
everyone delivering thundering speeches
at rallies, presenting themselves as
saviours, as to how exactly they propose to
bring the prices down? We must help the
electorate to not get misled by tall claims
about price management committees and
bogus comparisons between price control
mechanisms run by deputy
commissioners or nazims. The voters
must know that no number of across-theboard
subsidies will get them even shortterm
relief, that every rupee of subsidy
comes from their taxes and mostly helps
the well-to-do.
One big consensus Pakistanis must
arrive at and relay to those who cannot
wait to 'serve us' is that anyone who so
Ludovic pouiLLE
SHaHzad SHarjEEL
development, we must make sure that it
is bearable. We therefore propose that
the rules of the Paris Club should extend
to the rest of the world.
Poverty cannot be tackled effectively
without economic growth, but recent
years have shown that growth can be
accompanied by rising inequalities. The
pandemic has had a devastating impact
poverty cannot be tackled effectively without economic
growth, but recent years have shown that growth can
be accompanied by rising inequalities. The pandemic
has had a devastating impact on labor markets as millions
of workers continue to face job and income loss.
We cannot allow part of the population to be placed in
a situation of such great vulnerability.
on labor markets as millions of workers
continue to face job and income loss.
We cannot allow part of the population
to be placed in a situation of such great
vulnerability.
True to its tradition of social justice,
France promotes access to
comprehensive, robust, and adaptive
social protection for all.
Since women have been
disproportionately affected by the crisis,
there is a real risk that gender
inequalities will further widen unless we
collectively take vigorous measures.
In cooperation with the Saudi
presidency, France has aimed for strong
commitments in favor of gender
equality and the promotion of women's
and girls' empowerment. Tremendous
progress has been made in recent
decades, but it remains fragile: It is up to
us to make it irreversible.
But all these efforts will be in vain if we
much as utters inanities like 'we inherited
these problems' or '70 years of mess
cannot be cleared in five', will be
considered to have resigned. This should
apply to the current lot as well in case they
are re-elected. They know exactly what
they are getting into while presenting
themselves for public office; they better be
ready to roll up their sleeves and mop up
the collective mess even if it means
remaining on all fours for the entirety of
HanS a. von SpakovSky
do not respond to the climate
emergency. As we recover from the
pandemic, we are committed to
safeguarding our planet and building a
more environmentally sustainable and
inclusive future for all.
The prevention of environmental
degradation, the conservation,
sustainable use and restoration of
biodiversity, the preservation of our
oceans, clean air, clean water, the
response to natural disasters and
extreme weather events, and the fight
against climate change are some of the
most pressing challenges of our time.
By proclaiming that the only way to
tackle global warming is if we all stand
together, the Paris Agreement was an
important step forward. The G20 must
be an opportunity to reaffirm the
importance of implementing the Paris
Agreement.
France counts on participating
countries to upgrade or maintain their
nationally determined contributions,
whilst recognizing that further global
efforts are needed.
With only a few days to go until the
G20 Leader' Summit, which will mark
the conclusion of the Saudi presidency,
let me express the hope that discussions
there will see levels of ambition
commensurate with the exceptional
nature and magnitude of the challenges
we have faced over the past year.
To conclude, I would like, in my
capacity as ambassador of France to
Saudi Arabia, to underline the
importance that we attach to the
comprehensive strategic partnership
linking our two countries to address
these global challenges.
Source: arab news
their term. No more hiding behind the
'baggage-from-the-past' excuse.
Imagine for a moment each and every
one from amongst the power wielders
during a televised debate, facing an
anchor who just does not let go till the
man or the woman in the hot seat explains
how exactly the circular debt of the power
sector will be paid off. You think this is
being too harsh? Let us give them MCQs
instead. How about a one-time payout like
the last government did? Well, it came
back in no time with a bigger amount of
debt. Do nothing and hound the IPPs
about fudging production costs, and armtwist
them into renegotiating sovereign
contracts to reduce capacity payments like
the present government has done? Look
where it got us; the circular debt stood
over two trillion rupees by October.
The incumbents and their challengers
must present new manifestos for the next
general elections to let the public know the
following: what stroke-of-pen reforms will
be undertaken in the first week in office?
What will be done to reduce the defence
expenditure to create jobs, to enrol 22
million-plus out-of-school children, and
provide education that meets the
demands of the knowledge economy?
What mother-and-child nutrition plans
will be rolled out to prevent stunting that
affects almost 40 per cent of Pakistani
children? What judicial, tax, electoral and
anti-corruption reforms will be
undertaken? What about the missing
persons, holding local government
elections throughout Pakistan, and
addressing the grievances of Balochistan,
erstwhile Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and
Karachi?
A similar questionnaire can be
formulated on the external policy front
but that is a subject for a separate piece.
Pakistanis must be informed by all the
hopefuls how all this gets done in the first
month, quarter, six months, and so on up
to the two-year mark. If movement in the
right direction is discernable by the start
of year three, fine, else it will be rally time
again.
Source: dawn
Effort to win Georgia Senate races by bringing in out-of-staters to vote is illegal
Former House speaker and Georgia
congressman sounds off on the fight
for Senate control on 'Hannity'
Celebrities and politicians urging people
to visit Georgia and falsely claim residency
for the sole purpose of voting in two critical
U.S. Senate runoff elections Jan. 5 are
advocating criminal actions and should be
ashamed of themselves. This call for voter
fraud should be rejected.
The Georgia runoff elections are
extraordinarily important because they will
determine which political party controls the
U.S. Senate.
Results of the Nov. 3 election gave
Republicans 50 seats in the 100-member
Senate and gave Democrats 48. If
Republicans win one of the Georgia seats
Jan. 5 they will hold a 51-49 majority in the
Senate; if the GOP wins both seats it will
hold a 52-48 majority.
But if Democrats win both Georgia races
the Senate will be split 50-50 between the
two parties. Assuming that President
This gives the electorate a wider-than-usual
window of opportunity to assess what the
major political parties have been promising in
their manifestos through the past few elections,
and demand that each one of them presents
a new and precise road map to take the
country out of the morass.
Trump's lawsuits fail and he is replaced by
Joe Biden as president Jan. 20, Kamala
Harris will be vice president and can break
the 50-50 tie in the Senate to give
Democrats majority control of the chamber
by the slimmest possible margin.
Multiple candidates ran for the two
Senate seats representing Georgia,
preventing any candidate from gaining a
majority. As a result, Georgia law requires
the top two candidates for each seat to face
each other in runoff elections to be held
Jan. 5.
It is a felony for people to visit Georgia
and falsely claim to be residents just so they
can vote. Millions of us have visited states
on vacation or business, but that doesn't
make us residents entitled to vote there.
Georgia Code §21-2-561 states that
providing false information when you are
registering to vote is a felony. So is voting by
an "unqualified elector" under §21-2-571.
So if you register to vote when you know
that your assertion of residency is false, and
then you vote or even just attempt to vote
Jan. 5 knowing you are not a qualified voter
of the state, you have violated both of these
state criminal statutes placeholder
Candidates in Georgia Senate runoff
elections Jan. 5, left to right: Jon Ossoff,
Sen. David Perdue, Raphael Warnock and
Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
Candidates in Georgia Senate runoff
elections Jan. 5, left to right: Jon Ossoff,
Sen. David Perdue, Raphael Warnock and
Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
The punishment for this illegal activity
under Georgia law is a minimum of one
year and a maximum of up to 10 years in
prison and as much as a $100,000 fine.
Georgia obviously takes this crime very
seriously.
No matter how interested non-residents
of Georgia are in that state's crucial election,
they should not listen to the ill-informed,
manipulative and reckless tweets and calls
for them to break the law and pretend to be
Georgia residents just so they can vote in
the two Senate races.
This call for illegal voting - coming
primarily from Democrats - is a basic
betrayal of the democratic process.
Everyone who urges or participates in this
criminal activity should be ashamed of
themselves and deserves to be criticized, no
matter who they are and which party they
favor.
Fox News reports, for example, that in a
now-deleted tweet, New Yorker journalist
Eric Levitz wrote: "These run-offs will
decide which party controls the Senate and
thus, whether we'll have any hope for a
large stimulus/climate bill. If you have the
means and fervor to make a temporary
move to GA, believe anyone who registers
by Dec 7 can vote in these elections."
Former Democratic presidential
candidate Andrew Yang also tweeted that
he and his wife are moving to Georgia to
help the two Democratic contenders.
Source: Fox news
aMiTai eTzioni
Critics argue that the People's republic of China (PrC) has
become a neocolonial power. although it does not hold the kinds
of colonies imperial powers used to lord over, it is said to
conduct itself as one of them. Thus, for instance, according to
Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, a China scholar, "the general features
of China's relations with many countries today bear close
resemblance to the european colonial powers' relations with
african and Middle eastern countries in the 19th and 20th
century. among other things, we witness countries exchanging
their primary products for Chinese manufactured ones; China
dominating the local economy; countries becoming heavily
indebted to the PrC; China exerting greater weight on local
political, cultural, and security dynamics; and Chinese abroad
living in their own 'expat enclaves.'"
Beijing's new transnational infrastructure, like pipelines and
highways, are viewed as initiatives to send more resources to the
PrC. These projects are reported to deplete national treasuries.
Moreover, Chinese projects and investments draw on few local
suppliers and partners and contribute little to job creation,
partly because they employ many Chinese laborers. Finally,
China is said to doing more harm than good to the host countries
because its cheap goods destroy local manufacturing.
africa is depicted as the major victim of this new Chinese
global abuse drive. China is said to propping up its own
industries by extracting raw materials, such as minerals, fossil
fuels, and agricultural commodities, from all over the world,
with africa as its main target. China is "present" in 39 african
countries and is the continent's biggest trade partner. China's
tens of billions of dollars in investments and loans are readily
accepted by cash-starved african states, however they have
come with many strings attached.
China is reported to issue loans to make countries beholden to
the it; that they must be are paid whether through economic
concessions, political support, or a combination of both.
although bilateral trade often grows in the wake of such deals,
critics hold that the trade is skewed heavily in China's favor,
allowing the PrC to get resources while "import[ing] cheap
finished goods of questionable quality that undermine local
manufacturers."
For example, in zambia, we are told, China has invested in
copper mines. it "moved men and machinery to the country,
replacing zambian with Chinese workers," leading to an
increase in unemployment in the country. Moreover, the
Chinese companies have ignored safety regulations, denying
local miners' access to basic protective equipment.
african leaders are reported to be different from those of other
regions in that they "are unwilling - or unable - to push back"
against China. "at the 2018 Forum on China-africa Cooperation
(FoCaC), african leaders drowned China in praise in a[n]
unmistakable sign of how indispensable the Middle Kingdom
has become to them, in contrast to the united nations, united
States and european union."
all these criticisms play well in the context of a rising Cold War
between the u.S. and China. however, if one is not caught up in
the mutual recriminations between the two powers, one
observes that, unlike the charges about violations of human
China modernizing
Africa
How well do the claims of neocolonialism stand up?
rights, the charges of neocolonialism may be overblown.
Many infrastructure projects financed by China, whether they
be power distribution lines, highways, or railways, "facilitate
internal exchange of goods, services, and peoples. other projects
will integrate countries into global production networks or
regional connectivity schemes. …Chinese-constructed airports,
port, and special economic zones (Sezs) are 'dual use' in that
what goes in and out need not be just from or to China. … China
is not forcing countries to accept bad projects or incur debts
through pressure or deception about project viability.
Furthermore, based on publicly available evidence, China is not
dispensing 'cheap opium' in the form of preferential loans to
ensnare countries in a so-called 'debt trap.'"
Deborah Bräutigam of Johns hopkins university, writes that
"[s]urveys of employment on Chinese projects in africa
Photo: Lintao Zhang
repeatedly find that three-quarters or more of the workers are,
in fact, local." She and her colleagues at Johns hopkins and
Boston university began tracking loans provided by China in
2000. "in africa, [they] found that China had lent at least $95.5
billion between 2000 and 2015. That's a lot of debt. Yet by and
large, the Chinese loans in [their] database were performing a
useful service: financing africa's serious infrastructure gap. on a
continent where over 600 million africans have no access to
electricity, 40 percent of the Chinese loans paid for power
generation and transmission. another 30 percent went to
modernizing africa's crumbling transport infrastructure. … The
stories of large-scale land grabbing and Chinese peasants being
shipped to africa to grow food for China turned out to be mostly
myths."
The best way to curb improper Chinese influence is for the
MONdAY, NOvEMBEr 16, 2020
5
5
West to provide investments, credits, and aid on better terms
than China offers. This is not taking place for various reasons,
leaving many nations with the choice to accept Chinese offers on
the terms available - or not gain any. additionally, not only do
exports of commodities and agricultural products to China
benefit countries from australia to namibia to Kazakhstan, but
often China is the only market available for these products. and
China's high level of demand means that the resources it imports
are selling for higher prices than they were previously. China is
also helping these countries to industrialize and to develop their
physical, technological, and power infrastructures - all of which
benefits both China and the other nations involved.
The roads, railways, pipelines, and ports that China is helping
to construct in many countries as part of its new Silk road have
no checkpoints that bar entry by nationality. They make trading
with China easier, but they also facilitate trade with other
nations, including those in the West. Moreover, the much
criticized Silk road, has been depicted by the Wall Street
Journal, not a publication making light of the rise of China, in an
article entitled "China's imperial overreach"- as "poorly defined,
horribly mismanaged and visibly failing."
Many of the charges leveled against Chinese corporations are
also leveled against american and other Western corporations.
Thus, nike, apple, and Walmart have been reported to run
sweatshops in developing countries, in which working
conditions are unsafe, employees are paid little, and children are
employed. Western governments also demand that the credits
they extend be used to buy products of their corporations, along
with various other concessions. a main difference is that the aid,
credits, and investments available from China these days are
much larger than those available from the West.
at a World health assembly meeting in 2018, u.S. officials
used threats of hampering trade and eliminating key military aid
to browbeat their ecuadorian counterparts into agreeing not to
introduce a resolution related to breastfeeding. in the rush to
secure a new sponsor to advance the resolution, health
advocates found that "at least a dozen countries, most of them
poor nations in africa and Latin america, backed off, citing fears
of retaliation" from the u.S. This bullying is not reserved for
countries that are small and/or poor. When the u.K. reversed
course on its decision to allow huawei to provide hardware and
services for its public 5g network, government officials privately
told huawei executives that the new ban was partially
attributable to "geopolitical" factors, specifically pressure from
the Trump administration.
if, after the u.S. elections, there is a reexamination of u.S.-
China relations in a less heated context, three propositions are
particularly worthy of reconsideration: (1) There is much room
for setting norms and standards for all nations that extend
credits to other nations in need. (2) The charges leveled against
China as a major violator of human rights, namely the detention
of a million uighurs, the oppression of hong Kong, and
increased authoritarianism at home, are well-taken. however, it
does not follow that China's economic development drives
overseas are necessarily all to be condemned.
Japan’s 2050 climate pledge and nuclear dilemma
ToM CorBen
in his inaugural address to the Diet last month,
Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide officially
announced that his government would revise the
country's carbon-neutrality commitments, aiming
for zero emissions by 2050. Suga expressed his
intent to "put maximum effort into achieving a
green society," framing Japan's inevitable shift to
clean energy as an opportunity for post-CoViD
economic recovery and stating that the country
would "need to change our thinking and realize
that structural changes in industry and society will
lead to significant growth." in line with that pledge
(and with the government's regular triennial
policy review), changes are expected to the
envisaged shares of power generation across
multiple sources as stipulated within Japan's
Basic energy Plan.
Many would argue that one of the areas most in
need of a rethink is the role of nuclear power in the
country's overall energy mix, whether reduced or
increased. however, there has already been some
confusion as to the exact role of nuclear power in
achieving the government's new targets. Suga
himself did not rule out the construction of
additional nuclear power plants, and Liberal
Democratic Party (LDP) upper house secretarygeneral
and former head of the Ministry for the
economy, Trade and industry (MeTi) Seko
hiroshige suggested that Japan would need to
"promote the resumption of nuclear power plants
while keeping in mind their safety and also
consider building new plants that incorporate new
technologies."
The very next day, however, Chief Cabinet
Secretary Kato Katsunobu stated in no uncertain
terms that the Suga government was "not
considering the construction of additional nuclear
power plants," at least at this stage. Kato
suggested that new renewable sources and
existing nuclear power plants would do most of
the heavy lifting in terms of energy generation.
Minister for the economy Kajiyama hiroshi
echoed Kato in suggesting that the lack of public
trust in nuclear power effectively ruled out
introducing new plants, but said nothing about
the role that existing facilities could play in
meeting Japan's new carbon neutrality targets.
Mixed messaging and divergences in views
amongst government ministers on the role of
nuclear power in Japan's energy and
environmental futures are not new, and it seems
that the Suga administration intends for nuclear
energy to play at least some part in meeting the
2050 target. The question seems to be for how
long nuclear energy could or should contribute to
those efforts. according to the government's
Strategic energy Plan of 2018, nuclear will
account for between 20-22 percent of Japan's
overall energy mix by 2030, a level which could
presumably be sustained by an updated policy just
as it was between the government's 2015 and 2018
documents. at the same time, the government's
ongoing commitment to nuclear power contrasts
poorly with a growing number of unfavorable facts
on the ground.
Most of the country's reactors have remained
dormant since nation-wide shutdowns in May
2012 and September 2013 following the
disastrous events of March 11, 2011 at Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear power plant, with only a handful
successfully restarted since august 2015. of the 54
reactors in Japan prior to Fukushima, only nine
have resumed operations while at least 21 are
slated for decommissioning. nuclear energy
reportedly accounted for only 7.5 percent of
Japan's total power output in 2019, and as little as
3 percent this year so far - a tenth of the
Japan's latest carbon-neutrality pledge puts the spotlight on the challenges facing
the country's nuclear power industry.
Photo: IAEA
percentage supplied prior to Fukushima. That
Japan's imports of nuclear fuel from abroad were
almost zero last year is some indication of the
industry's struggles, while the removal of nuclear
energy from Japan's power mix is a major reason
why the country's energy self-sufficiency rating
has dropped to less than 10 percent (down from
20 percent), the second-lowest amongst oeCD
nations. if new power plants are ultimately ruled
out and the current 60-year cap on plant
operating lifespans is maintained (nearly half of
Japan's current reactors are already over 30 years
old), then the future of nuclear power in the
country is already on limited time. as a result, its
share of the country's overall energy mix is likely
to shrink as 2050 approaches.
Public opposition, shrinking profit margins, and
stricter safety requirements introduced by the
nuclear regulation authority (nra) have
hampered efforts by Japan's power companies to
restart many of their nuclear reactors. The plight
of Kansai electric Power Company captures the
challenges that Japan's power companies face in
trying to make a return on capital-intensive
investments in such an uncertain environment. in
april last year, the nra refused to extend
deadlines for the installation of mandatory antiterrorism
measures at all reactor sites, even after
many of Japan's power companies indicated that
there was little chance of meeting those deadlines.
in March this year, three reactors operated by
Kansai electric faced extended closures after a
fatal accident at Takahama nuclear Power Plant.
operations at another site were suspended in
early october because of delays to the
construction of anti-terrorism safeguards, while
two reactors its oi nuclear power plant will also be
taken offline this month, meaning that all of
Kansai electric's power plants will be offline.
While the coming suspensions will not adversely
impact Kansai electric's capacity to generate
power, its relatively high dependency on nuclear
power as a profit maker will undoubtedly see its
bottom line take a hit. The company has also
recently been rocked by corruption scandals
dating back to the 1980s, further damaging the
industry's already tainted public image. With the
costs of additional mandatory safety features now
nearly equaling the costs of building a new reactor,
drawn-out regulatory processes, a decline in local
industry expertise and talent, and with local
political and public opposition remaining
relatively strong, there will likely remain a notable
lack of incentives for power companies to invest in
building new reactors without reform to the
business environment.
importantly, it seems as though the next
generation of LDP leaders are embracing both
carbon neutrality and the elimination of nuclear
energy. Like abe governments of the recent past,
Suga's cabinet features two particularly prominent
politicians and possible future prime ministers
who have stated their anti-nuclear preferences
before, one of whom - Koizumi Shinjiro - is also
the incumbent minister for the environment.
Though the environment Ministry does not
officially set Japan's energy policy, Koizumi has
nevertheless been a driving force behind many of
Japan's recent environmental and clean energy
initiatives since assuming his post in September
2019, including the revision of Japan's
Pyongyang will want to remind the Biden administration that the North is
not to be ignored.
Photo: Flickr
how will north Korea respond
to the Biden administration?
Liang Tuang nah
Those of us living in asia awoke on
november 8 to the news that former Vice
President Joseph Biden, after having
beaten President Donald Trump in the
2020 presidential election, will become
the 46th president of the united States
after he assumes office in January 2021.
While many would congratulate Biden
on his win, analysts and scholars of north
Korean affairs and northeast asian
security should brace for the possibility of
instability on the Korean peninsula from
provocative actions taken by the Kim
regime. Biden is an unknown factor in
Pyongyang's strategic calculus. While Kim
Jong un had a working relationship with
Trump, the north Korean leader cannot be
sure that Biden and his advisors intimately
realize the value that the Kim regime
places on not being disregarded or
belittled. hence, with the upcoming
leadership transition in Washington, there
exists the real possibility that Kim will
soon order a demonstration of resolve to
prove that north Korea must be treated as
an equal in any dealings with the united
States.
north Korea will be looking to signal to
the new Biden administration that north
Korea is not to be trifled with, that it
should remain a key foreign policy focus
for Washington, and that the u.S. should
negotiate in good faith. There are four
options for demonstrative national
aggrandizement. From the least to most
likely, they are: a nuclear warhead test;
military provocations against South
Korea; testing an intercontinental ballistic
missile (iCBM); and testing several shortrange
missiles.
While a nuclear detonation would
definitely catapult north Korea to the top
of the Biden administration's list of foreign
policy priorities, it also has the drawbacks
of being impractical and extremely costly.
To begin with, the Kim regime made a
show of detonating a tunnel at the
Punggye-ri nuclear test site. That may
have been cover for reports that the site
has been geologically compromised from
the six underground nuclear tests
conducted there from 2006 to 2017.
Scientists from both South Korea and
China have warned that a seventh nuclear
test could cause the mountain above the
site to collapse and spew radioactive
fallout throughout the region - including
into China, which is the north's only ally,
thereby incurring Beijing's wrath. Based
on that alone, such a test would be illadvised.
While a nuclear detonation would
definitely catapult north Korea to the top
of the Biden administration's list of foreign
policy priorities, it also has the drawbacks
of being impractical and extremely costly.
To begin with, the Kim regime made a
show of detonating a tunnel at the
Punggye-ri nuclear test site. That may
have been cover for reports that the site
has been geologically compromised from
the six underground nuclear tests
conducted there from 2006 to 2017.
Scientists from both South Korea and
China have warned that a seventh nuclear
test could cause the mountain above the
site to collapse and spew radioactive
fallout throughout the region - including
into China, which is the north's only ally,
thereby incurring Beijing's wrath. Based
on that alone, such a test would be illadvised.
MONDAY, NOVeMBeR 16, 2020 6
CHT Secretary holds view exchange
meeting in khagrachhari District
MD SAjU, kHAGRACHHARI CORRESPONDENT:
Secretary of the Ministry of
Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Md.
Shafiqul Ahmed held a view exchange
meeting with khagrachari Hill District
Staff including the Chairman,
Members, Officers of the Council.
The meeting was held on Sunday (in
the conference room of the district
council. During the time,
khagrachhari Hill District Council
Chief Executive Officer Md.
Nuruzzaman and khagrachhari Hill
kanjari Chowdhury presided over by
the Chairman of the District Council,
khagrachari the Additional Deputy
Commissioner (General) Mohammad
Habib A. llaha Maruf, khagrachari
Civil Surgeon Dr Nupur kanti Das and
Deputy executive officer Titon khisa
were also present at the occasion.
Apart from khageshwar Tripura,
Advocate Ashutosh Chakma,
Mankachit Chowdhury, Shatarupa
Chakma and Nigar Sultana, one of the
members of the Hill District Council
Officers and employees of the
department of the council were
present.
An event titled "Chattogram District Council 2020" of Bangladesh Railway Posso Society was
held recently at Pahartali.
Photo: Munmun Ahmed
Bangladesh Railway Posso Society holds
‘Chattogram District Council 2020’
MUNMUN AHMED, CHATTOGRAM NORTH CORRESPONDENT:
An event titled "Chattogram District
Council 2020" of Bangladesh Railway
Posso Society was held on Friday at
Pahartali of the city through different
arrangements. The 26-member
Chattogram District Branch
Committee of the organization was
announced for the first time as a special
surprise at the event organized under
the patronage of Central joint
Secretary Mohiuddin Sagar and
Central Co-Organizing Secretary
Humayun kabir Rabbi.
Saiduzzaman Shipon, President of
the newly formed Chittagong District
Branch Committee chaired the
occasion while Prof. Dr. Gazi Saleh
Uddin, Former Dean of the
Department of Sociology, University of
Chittagong was present as the chief
guest at the occasion. Moniruzzaman
Monir, Founder and President of
Bangladesh Railway Posso Society was
the keynote speaker at the occasion.
Wasim Uddin Chowdhury, Awami
League's nominated councilor
candidate of Pahartali ward No. 13 and
Afsarul Amin MP of Chattogram 10
constituency were present as special
guests on the occasion.
Among others, 13 no Pahartali Ward
jubo League Leader Mir Shamsuddoha
Shaheen, Bangladesh Railway Pet
Society Central Adviser Yusuf Rashidi,
Railway Contractor and Metropolitan
Awami League Leader Mujibur
Rahman Montu, Railway krishak
League Central Committee Member
Shafiqul Islam, and Metropolitan jubo
League Leader and Railway Contractor
Mohammad Idris were also present at
the occasion.
Banaripara Upazila Health Complex has received the Health Minister National Award for being
the best in the Barishal Division. The Upazila Health Complex has received this award and certificate
for providing proper health care including maternity and satisfactory service in cleanliness.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr SM Kabir Hasan said Health Minister
Zahid Malek presented the award at Health Minister National Award Ceremony in Dhaka
recently. Health Secretary A. Mannan and DG ABM Khurshid Alam of Health Department were
present at the time. Photo: S Mizanul Islam
llegal gas connection of BGDCL disconnected in Cumilla
MD MIzANUR RAHMAN, CUMILLA CORRESPONDENT:
Bakhrabad Gas Distribution
Company Limited's illegal gas
connection was disconnected and a
pipeline was removed. About two
kilometers of illegal line was cut. Two
hundred illegal connections were
disconnected. At that time a fine of Tk 1
lakh was imposed by the mobile court.
During the time, Deputy General
Manager (Vigilance) of Bakhrabad Gas
Meeting on Covid-19 and
second wave prevention
held in kishoreganj
SARWAR jAHAN, kISHOREGANj CORRESPONDENT:
Health Secretary Abdul Mannan said that no
private hospital, clinic, diagnostic center,
pathology and medicine shop (pharmacy) can
be run illegally without a license. If necessary,
mobile court will conduct a raid and take
action. Legal jail-fines will also be taken. The
fake hospital in katiadi has already been
closed.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a
meeting on Covid-19 and second wave
prevention and prevention of winter cold
diseases at kishoreganj Circuit House
Auditorium on Saturday afternoon. During the
time, Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Murshed
Chowdhury, Superintendent of Police
Mashrukur Rahman khaled, Civil Surgeon Dr.
Mujibur Rahman, BMA leader Dr. Badal,
Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Mustafizur Rahman,
Deputy Director of Family Planning Enamur
Rahman and Deputy Director of Social
Services kamruzzaman khan were present at
the occasion.
Distribution Company Limited
Engineer Md. Azharul Alam, Deputy
General Manager (Safety and Security)
Md. Shahanur Alam and other officials
of BGDCL were present on the
occasion.
Approximately 200 illegal gas
connections were disconnected over an
area of about two kilometers through
the removal of 1,100 feet of pipeline
with the help of mobile courts and
police-RAB last Wednesday and the
second phase of Break Restaurant
Community Center and kalakchua,
Dhaka-Chittagong Highway. A mobile
court was set up in Cumilla for illegally
lifting a riser and using gas.
Nilufar Sultana, Deputy General
Manager (Public Relations) of
Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company
Limited, said in a press release that the
company was fined Tk 1 lakh during the
operation and the illegal riser was
removed with a ceiling.
Training for account assistants
cum computer operators
begins in Gaibandha
GAIBANDHA: A three-day training on Village Court affairs for
account assistants cum computer operators of different union parishads
(UP) has begun at the conference room of District Collectorate Building
here on Saturday, reports BSS.
Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Project, phase-11 of Local
Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural
Development and Co-operatives, European Union and United Nations
Development Programme has jointly arranged the training.
Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), Thakurgaon which is
implementing the project at grassroots level of 52 unions under
Gobindaganj, Palashbari, Sadullapur and Sundarganj upazilas of the
district, also assisted to hold the training as partner organization.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) and also district magistrate Abdul Matin
formally inaugurated the training as the chief guest.
The objective of the training is to develop capacity of the village court
members and support its staff and sensitize all concerned on the role
and function of village courts and their benefits in the overall justice
system.
Deputy commissioner (DC) Abdul Matin , deputy director (DD) of
local government department Rokhsana Begum, district facilitator (DF)
of the project atiqur Rahman, district coordinator of ESDO Syed Ahmed
and upazila coordinators Shah M. Moazzem Billah and Shamima
Begum will conduct the training sessions as resource persons.
A total of 26 account assistants cum computer operators are taking
part in the training.
Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Md. Shafiqul Ahmed held a view exchange
meeting with Khagrachari Hill District Council on Sunday.
Photo: Md Saju
'Bangabandhu Ananda Ashram Seba'
conducts exceptional service activities
MAFE SHEIkH, kISHOREGANj UPAzILA CORRESPONDENT:
4 students of Dhaka University are
working tirelessly to provide services to
the elderly people living in old age homes
across the country. They have launched a
program called "Bangabandhu Ananda
Ashram Seba" during the cornoavirus
period and on the occasion of Mujib's
Borsho.
In continuation to this, they have
provided such exceptional service
activities for the elderly living in Nirapod
Briddashram. They have provided
medical services, food items, gifts and
planted trees.
The four youngsters, who dreamed of
the "Bangabandhu Ananda Ashram
Seba" program, in collaboration with the
University and Medical Students
Association of kishoreganj, donated a
variety of food items including rice,
pulses and vegetables to the elders living
in the safe old age home on Saturday.
They also physical checkup of all the
seniors with a medical team. Necessary
medical supplies were provided. Besides,
medicinal and fruit trees are also planted
in the old age home to enhance the
natural beauty.
Later, on the occasion of Mujib Borsho,
a bound picture of Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
was handed over as a gift to Sajedur
Rahman Saju, Director of Nirapod
Briddashram.
Earlier, a discussion meeting was
organized on the occasion of this
exceptional service program organized by
"Bangabandhu Ananda Ashram Seba" in
the field adjacent to Nirapod
Briddashram. Former Principal of
kishoreganj Degree College Md. Abdur
Rauf presided over the function and
Upazila Parishad Chairman Shah
Mohammad Abul kalam Bari Pilot was
the chief guest. Officer-in-charge of
kishoreganj Police Station Md. Abdul
Awal was the special guest. Among
others, Md. Nurul karim, Assistant
Professor, Nilphamari Government
College, Begum Rokeya College Assistant
Professor Lion Md. Azaharul Islam Dulal,
Md. Sujauddaula Lipton, Principal of
kishoreganj Technical Women's College,
Abu Hasan Sheikh, Convener of Local
Press Club, Ashikur Rahman Ashiq and
others spoke at the occasion.
Talking to one of the founder of
'Bangabandhu Ananda Ashram Seba'
said that the journey of this activity
started from the old age home of Haishu
located in kashiani of Gopalganj on july
25. Dhaka Range DIG and advisor of the
'Bangabandhu Ananda Ashram Seba'
Habibur Rahman, BPM (Bar), PPM (Bar)
inaugurated the program through video
conference.
A discussion meeting held on the occasion of conducting exceptional service program organized by
"Bangabandhu Ananda Ashram Seba" in the field adjacent to Nirapod Briddashram in Kishoreganj on
Saturday.
Photo: Mafe Sheikh
In observance of the World Diabetes Day-2020 a rally organized by Kazi Hedayet Hossain Memorial Diabetes
Hospital was brought out at Rajbari on Saturday. During the time, Dr. Apurba Roy, First Medical Officer of
Diabetes Hospital, Md. Wajiullah Montu, Vice-President of Rajbari Diabetes Association, Abu Dayan Md.
Jahangir and Medical Officer Labiba Haque were present at the occasion. Photo: M Moniruzzaman
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020
7
A supporter of National League for Democracy holds a picture of Myanmar State Counselor
Aung San Suu Kyi as she waits for results outside the party headquarters after the general
election in Yangon, Myanmar, on Sunday.
Photo: Reuters
UK 'will not be
changing' stance
in EU talks: Frost
BRUSSELS:Britain will not
change its stance as it seeks a
post-Brexit deal with the
European Union, negotiator
David Frost said Sunday as
he arrived in Brussels for
talks, reports BSS.
Talks over the next few
days are seen as crucial for
any deal before time runs
out at the end of the year,
when the post-Brexit
transition period ends.
"We are working to get a
deal, but the only one that's
possible is one that is
compatible with our
sovereignty and takes back
control of our laws, our
trade, and our waters. That
has been our consistent
position from the start and I
will not be changing it," he
tweeted.
Frost said he and his EU
counterpart Michel Barnier
would resume their face-toface
negotiations Sunday.
Talks over the next few
days are seen as crucial for
any deal before time runs
out at the end of the year,
when the post-Brexit
transition period ends.
Myanmar’s ruling party grabs
majority of parliamentary
seats in general elections
The ruling National League
for Democracy (NLD) party
won 920 seats, absolute
majority in the general
elections held in Myanmar
on Nov. 8, according to the
final result announced by
the Union Election
Commission (UEC) on
Sunday, reports UNB.
In the elections, 5,639
candidates vied for 1,117
parliamentary seats -- 315
seats in the House of
Representatives (Lower
House), 161 seats in the
House of Nationalities
(Upper House), 612 seats in
the Regional or State
Parliaments and 29 ethnic
minority seats in the Regional
or State Parliaments.
After the UEC's voting
counts completed on
Sunday morning, 920
candidates out of 1,106
candidates fielded by the
NLD party were elected to
three levels of the parliament
-- 258 seats in the House of
Representatives (Lower
House) and 138 in the House
of Nationalities (Upper
Houses), 501 in the Regional
or State Parliaments and 23
ethnic minority seats in the
Regional or State
Parliaments.
The Union Solidarity and
Development Party (USDP)
fielded 1,089 candidates and
took total 71 seats for the
three levels of the
parliament -- 26 seats for the
House of Representatives
(Lower House), 7 for the
House of Nationalities
(Upper Houses) and 38 for
the Regional or State
Parliaments, the UEC's
figures showed.
Meanwhile, the rest seats
were taken by other political
parties and independent
runners.
President U Win Myint
and State Counsellor Aung
San Suu Kyi won the
elections as representatives
in the Lower House, while
Vice President Henry Van
Thio was elected as a
representative in the Upper
House for the next term of
the parliament.
The 2020 general
elections were the third
under the country's 2008
Constitution. According to
the 2008 Constitution, the
first regular session of a new
term of the parliament
begins with the House of
Representatives which shall
be held within 90 days after
the commencement of the
general elections.
The ruling NLD party won
an absolute majority of
parliamentary seats in the
last general elections on
Nov. 8, 2015, and has been
running the government
since 2016.
UN chief urges all
countries to stop
building new coal
power plants
UNITED NATIONS : United
Nations Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres on Saturday
called on all countries to stop
building new coal power plants
in his video message to the
East Asia Summit 2020,
reports UNB.
"To reach carbon neutrality
by 2050, I am calling for all
countries to stop building new
coal power plants and for
partners to stop financing
them," said the secretarygeneral.
"Countries also need to
put a price on carbon and end
subsidies for fossil fuels.
Our response to the COVID-
19 crisis must be aligned with
the Paris Agreement and
Sustainable Development
Goals. In all these efforts, you
can count on the support of the
United Nations system," the
UN chief added.
Guterres noted that efforts
must be made to "use the COVID-
19 recovery effort to build green
climate-resilient economies and
work towards carbon neutrality
by 2050."
Ukrainian
health minister
tests positive
for COVID-19
KIEV : Ukraine's Health
Minister Maxym Stepanov
said Saturday that he had
tested positive for COVID-
19, reports UNB.
"Despite the caution and
observance of all safety
rules today, I got a positive
test for COVID-19," said
Stepanov on his Facebook
page, urging Ukrainian
people to comply with
quarantine measures and
not to visit crowded places.
Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky and the
head of the President's Office
Andriy Yermak, who on
Monday were diagnosed with
the coronavirus, are currently
in isolated wards at the
hospital, online newspaper
Ukrayinska Pravda reported
on Thursday.
Damage, injuries as
Vamco hits Vietnam
HANOI : Storm Vamco barreled into Vietnam
on Sunday, damaging buildings and injuring at
least five people after wreaking devastation in
the Philippines, reports BSS.
The storm made landfall on Sunday
morning with winds of up to 90 kilometers per
hour (56 mph), according to media reports,
uprooting trees and blowing the roofs off
houses and schools.
Vamco is the latest in a series of storms that
have pummeled Vietman over the past six
weeks causing flooding and landslides that
have killed at least 159 people and left 70 others
missing.
Initial reports from the Disaster
Management Authority on Sunday said that
five people were injured while they were trying
to secure their houses.
Vamco has weakened since hitting the
Philippines as a typhoon with winds of up to
155 kph, but state media said it had still caused
significant damage, though details were not
immediately available.
Authorities evacuated nearly 650,000
people from seven coastal provinces to higher
and safer ground before the storm hit to try to
reduce casualties.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong told the
VNExpress news website he hoped the
precautions would minimise the storm's
impact.
Vamco caused severe damage in the
Philippines, causing flooding that affected
Rescuers pull a rubber boat carrying residents through a flooded street
after Typhoon Vamco hit in Marikina City, suburban Manila on 12
November.
Photo: AP
more than 340,000 people.
Philippine authorities said Sunday the death
toll had risen to 67, though floodwaters are
now receding, giving hope that the worst could
be over.
In Vietnam, weeks of severe weather have
damaged or destroyed more than 400,000
homes, according to the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies.
Roads and bridges have been washed away,
power supplies disrupted, and crucial food
crops destroyed, leaving at least 150,000
people at immediate risk of food shortages.
Britain will not change its stance as it seeks a
post-Brexit deal with the European Union, negotiator
David Frost said Sunday as he arrived in
Brussels for talks.
Photo: AP
Fire in Romania hospital
kill 10 Covid-19 patients
BUCHAREST :Ten Covid-19 emergency wards when the
patients, undergoing fire broke out.
treatment at the intensive
care unit (ICU) of the Piatra
Neamt County Hospital in
northeastern Romania, were
killed in a fire that broke out
at the hospital on Saturday,
"Seven people are in
critical condition, including
the doctor on duty," said the
spokesperson. The rescued
patients are being sent to
two hospitals in neighboring
said Romanian Health Iasi County for treatment,
Minister Nelu Tataru, according to the local
reports UNB.
"Eight patients died as a
result of the fire, and the
other two later in the
authorities.
This is the hospital fire
that has caused the most
casualties in the country in
Emergency Department, recent years. The last major
due to respiratory failure,"
said the minister, reports
Xinhua.
hospital fire occurred in
August 2010 when six babies
were killed and several
The Health Minister others severely injured at the
visited the hospital in Piatra
Neamt, about 350 km from
the capital Bucharest, soon
after the incident.
Irina Popa, spokesperson
of the local Inspectorate for
Emergency Situations, told
Giulesti maternity hospital
in Bucharest.
It is not yet known from
where the fire started, but no
doubt the flames were
amplified by the existing
oxygen facilities in the ICU,
GD-1519/20 (8 x 3)
local media after the fire was
extinguished that 16 patients
Lucian Micu, the hospital
director, was quoted by local GD-1522/20 (10 x 3)
were in the two Covid-19 media as saying.
MoNDAY, NoVeMBeR 16, 2020
8
Legendary actor Soumitra
Chatterjee passes away
TBT RePoRT
Soumitra Chatterjee, one of India's most celebrated
actors, died at a private hospital in the eastern Indian
city of Kolkata on Sunday, after contracting Covid last
month. He was 85, reports UNB.
"We declare with heavy heart that Shri Soumitra
Chattopadhyay breathed his last at 12.15 pm (IST) at
Belle Vue Clinic on 15 November 2020. We pay our
homage to his soul," the hospital said in an official
statement.
Chatterjee had been undergoing treatment at the
hospital since October 6 after testing positive for
coronavirus a day before. Though his condition initially
improved after receiving plasma therapy, it started
worsening as days passed.
Chatterjee was the favourite of India's Oscar-winning
filmmaker Satyajit Ray. He made his debut with Ray's
Apur Sansar (Apu's Family) in 1959. He went on to act
in 14 more of Ray's films, including masterpieces like
Devi, Charulata, Ghare Baire and Feluda, the detective.
"Satyajit Ray made me what I am today. Had the
director not been a great artist like Satyajit Ray, I
wouldn't have been able to perform so well," Chatterjee
had said in an interview.
The actor's last big film was Sanjhbati in 2019. Apart
Zayed Khan
TBT RePoRT
Actor Zayed Khan is known as the
hero of the film has made his
debut as a singer. He has already
completed the recording of the
first song he sang with the title
'Mui Barisalla'. In it, Zayed Khan
has matched the voice with Pratik
Hasan. The song was directed by
Shahriar Rafat.
ARIeS
(March 21 - April 20) : If you're
feeling irritable and wrung out
today, Aries, it may be a result of
putting far too much pressure on yourself. It might
be wise to take a look at the expectations you have
of yourself. Consider if you would you place the
same demands on those closest to you. If the
answer is no, it's time to revamp your life to suit the
one you're closest to - you.
TAURUS
(April 21 - May 21) : Consider
whether or not you're spending enough time
with everyone who's special to you, Taurus. If
more hours are going to work colleagues,
friends, or partner, there might be an imbalance that you need
to look at. Sit down and create a chart of where your time has
gone lately. If one portion is considerably larger than the others,
make a point of spending some time with the people
represented by the smaller portions.
GeMINI
(May 22 - June 21) : If your partner
acts quickly on his or her passions
today, Gemini, you will probably
want to slow things down a bit. "Nice
and easy" is the phrase of the day for you, so create
an environment that will allow for more time in
such circumstances. Let your partner know how
you feel and what you'd like to see happen. No one
is a mind reader.
CANCeR
(June 22 - July 23) : Consider
planning a romantic interlude, Cancer. With
the influence from today's planetary aspects,
it will be easy to connect with that special
someone. Make dinner with your spouse or partner or make a
date with someone new who's caught your eye, if possible.
Don't let shyness or insecurity stand in your way. If you're
single, consider loving the most important person in your life
- you - by doing something special.
Leo
(July 24 - Aug. 23): If someone
takes too long to do something today,
Leo, your temper may flare up. Patience
isn't always your strong suit, and you may
believe in the "if you want it done right, do it yourself"
philosophy. This isn't always fair. Others need to do things
at their own pace, and in some cases, it's essential that you
give them the room to do so. Take a deep breath if you
have to, and be patient.
VIRGo
(Aug. 24 - Sept. 23): You might find it
rather tough to take criticism today,
Virgo. This is something that's hard for
many to hear, but it truly depends on
your perspective. Rather than view it as a personal
attack, try to see the value in the criticism. If you're
honest with yourself and recognize that you could learn
and grow from critique, seize it as an opportunity. If
you find that it's out in left field, then leave it there.
from acting, he also directed and acted in plays and
penned poetry. In 2001, he had turned down a state
award for best actor to protest against what he called
the "bias" of the awards committee.
Chatterjee got India's top film honour, Dadasaheb
Phalke Award, in 2012. He also won three National
Awards and the Legion of Honour by France, the
European country's top civilian award. In 1989,
Satyajit Ray got the same award.
Zayed Khan’s song 'Mui Barisalla'
in Bangabandhu T20 Cup
It is learned that this song will be
used as the theme song of 'Fortune
Barisal' team which is going to
take part in the upcoming
Bangabandhu T20 Cup. It has
been done in a mixture of regional
languages of Barisal. The song will
be released before the start of
Bangabandhu T20 Cup.
Zayed Khan sang this song for
the first time after being
introduced as an actor. Although
he used to sing songs while
studying at Dhaka University.
Being his hometown in Pirojpur of
Barisal division, Zayed Khan got
an offer to sing in the song 'Mui
Barisalla'. He could not let the
offer to sing in his regional
language.
Music director Shahriar Rafat
said, 'I thought the song would
sound great with Zayed's voice.
Because after composing the tune
I gave him the guide voice. At that
time it seemed that this voice is the
best for the song. ' Zayed Khan
appeared on the silver screen in
2008 with the movie 'Bhalobasa
Bhalobasha'.
H o RoSCoPe
LIBRA
(Sept. 24 - Oct. 23): Be careful not to
fall prey to your own idealism today,
Libra. While this is one of your most
admirable qualities, as it contributes to your romantic,
creative nature, too much of anything can be harmful. It's
important to see things as they are, despite how much you
may wish them to be different. The real world doesn't
always go hand in hand with your ideal place. If
something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts.
SCoRPIo
(Oct. 24 - Nov. 22): Don't be
surprised if you feel a real need for
some breathing room today, Scorpio.
As much as you enjoy the company of others, you need
to have time to yourself as well. See if you can work in
a private space or simply shut your door. If you need
to move in order to be alone, hop in the car and go.
Irritability is a good indicator of when you need to get
away from the crowd.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23 - Dec. 21): If things haven't
been going too well with those you spend
most of your time with, Sagittarius, it might
be time to consider your expectations of
them. Ask what kinds of demands you place on others and if
they're fair. Is it possible that you expect the same from others
that you give, but perhaps they aren't able to match your level
of performance? Consider talking with the people involved to
find out how they feel.
CAPRICoRN
(Dec. 22 - Jan. 20): A little romantic time
with your special someone may be in
order today, Capricorn. With the day-today
chaos of working and living, it can be
tough to get some quality time alone. If you don't make
specific plans, it can be months before this happens. Take
the situation in hand and make those plans. If you're
single, consider making arrangements for a date or
spending time with a friend, if possible.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) : Take it slow and
easy today, Aquarius. With the
energy from the day's aspects,
rushing around isn't likely to get you
too far. In fact, you're more apt to make mistakes or
leave a bunch of things unfinished. Make your todo
list and go about each thing one at a time at an
even pace. Even if you don't finish everything, what
you accomplish will be done well.
PISCeS
(Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) : It may be time to
look at where you are in life, Pisces.
Are you where you thought you'd
be? If so, congratulations. This is a
real accomplishment. If not, take heart. Many
people discover that they aren't anywhere close.
The key is to write down solid goals and the steps
needed to reach them. It's your life after all.
Mapping out your route is up to you.
Azizul Hakim's condition
improving gradually
TBT RePoRT
Popular actor Azizul Hakim's health
conditiondetorated and was put on lifesupport,
is improving gradually. The
actor's younger brother Shohel Hakim
said this to the media after visiting him at
a hospital in the capital on Saturday.
Shohel Hakim said, "Requirement of
oxygen supplementation of Azizul Hakim
was 90mm on Thursday while on
Saturday requirement was 40mm.
According to the doctors, if requirement
of oxygen supplementation goes under
40mm it will be considered as good
condition. Gradually Azizul Hakim's
health condition is improving. I urge
everyone to pray for my brother."
Meanwhile, Ahsan Habib Nasim,
general secretary of the Actors'
Association, spoke to Mohiuddin, a
doctor on duty. He said Azizul Hakim
had water in his lungs, low blood
pressure and mild shortness of breath.
They are trying to control these
complications quickly.
Earlier, Azizul Hakim, who has been
suffering from covid-19, was put on life
support on Friday morning as his
The Queen's Gambit:
A mesmerising series
The Queen's Gambit is a sevenpart
miniseries based on the
novel of the same name by
Walter Tevis. It revolves around
Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-
Joy), a shy little girl who,
growing up at a Christian
orphanage, takes to chess like a
duck to water. She is taught the
rules of the game by the
orphanage's janitor Mr. Shaibel
(Bill Camp), and proves to
possess an uncanny knack for
the game. After being adopted
by a childless couple, she begins
taking part in mostly maledominated
chess tournaments
and soon becomes the talk of the
town, and later, the country. In
these tournaments, she easily
destroys her unsuspecting
opponents, who more often than
The teaser of much-awaited
movie Master, starring Vijay and
Vijay Sethupathi, was released on
Saturday, coinciding with the
Diwali festival.
The teaser
condition deteriorated. The actor was
admitted to Bangladesh Specialised
Hospital in the capital on Thursday night
with respiratory problem and was
immediately shifted to the Intensive Care
Unit (ICU).
Azizul Hakim was severely sick with
not underestimate her due to
her gender.
She is eventually defeated by
the Russian Grandmaster Vasily
Borgov (Marcin Doroci?ski), a
much older fellow who has been
in the field for a long time and
was similarly a child prodigy.
But Beth's excessive drinking
and addiction may be a tougher
rival for her than Borgov. Her
addiction has seeds in
tranquillising pills she and other
children were forced to consume
at the orphanage, and it is only
made worse by the fact that Beth
has been a loner for most of her
life. The Queen's Gambit has
been received well universally by
both critics and audiences, and it
is easy to see why. The series is
extremely well-written, acted
Master teaser: Vijay
plays an unruly teacher
introduces Vijay as JD, a heavydrinker
and a teacher at a college.
In campus-based movies, usually,
it is the students who would
create troubles for teachers. But,
director Lokesh Kanagaraj seems
to have flipped that trope. JD
seems to be locked in a cage
fight with Vijay Sethupathi,
who seems to play the role
of a butcher in the movie.
And yes, Sethupathi is
the villain. Lokesh
Kanagaraj has edited
the teaser with the sole
intention of pleasing
the core fan base of
TBT RePoRT
and mounted. Despite some
pacing issues in a couple of
episodes, not a single minute
appears wasted.
Beth initially comes off as a bit
dispassionate and chilly, no
doubt due to her upbringing, but
Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a
warm and humane
performance. The writers help
the viewer get into her
headspace as Beth moves
imaginary chess pieces on the
Vijay. The teaser is action-packed
and gives a solid introduction to
the unruly teacher, who despite
his serious drinking problem,
looks impressively fit and
handsome. A glimpse of Master
has been long overdue as the
filmmakers were reluctant to cut
diarrhoea before testing positive for
covid-19. Screenwriter and playwright
Zeenat Hakim, wife of the actor was also
diagnosed with covid-19 along with their
son Muhaimeen Redwan Hakim. They
are currently in stable condition and
getting treated at home.
The Queen's Gambit is streaming on Netflix.
Photo: Netflix
ceiling, first when as a kid she
does not have a chessboard, and
later as a professional chess
player while cooking up
strategies.
The performances are
uniformly great, particularly by
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Jacob
Fortune-Lloyd and Harry
Melling as Beth's sometimes
love interests and always
friends.
Source: indianexpress.com
Master is helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj Photo : Internet
a teaser during the COVID-19-
induced lockdown. Given that
theatres across the country are
reopening, the filmmakers have
started working towards the
release of the movie.
Source: hindianews.com
Story of 'Authiti App' bit
different than other
commercials: Moushumi
Arifa Pervin Zaman, better known by her stage name Moushumi, is a popular
Bangladeshi film actress and director. Her journey began in the early nineties
with film 'Keyamat Theke Keyamat'. After that she has acted in many popular
movies.
Recently, she will be seen as new model in an advertisment called 'Authiti
App'. Last week, the producer shot some scenes in the capital's Uttara.
In the advertisement, Asif Islam will be seen opposite to Moushumi. The
ad was created by Jamal Mallick.
Regarding the work in the advertisement, Moushumi said, 'I have
worked in a tidy unit. So it ended with sincerity without any trouble. I
also like the story of the ad. I think it will be a little different than other
commercials of the time. '
The producer said that the advertisement will be aired on various
satellite channels of the country soon.
Moushumi is not as regular in movies as before. However, she is working
selectively. Besides the big screen, she is also seen in drama and advertisements.
Moushumi runs a production house, Kopotakhsma Cholochitra. She was
associated with Projapoti Cholochitra and she looks after her own foundation,
the "Moushumi Welfare Foundation".
MONDAY, NOveMBeR 16, 2020
9
Karachi Kings reach first
PSL final via Super Over
after late collapse
SPORTS DeSK
After a hiatus for close to eight
months, pakistan Super
League made a roaring return
as karachi kings suffered a
late collapse in what was a
fairly smooth run chase, and
stumbled their way into a
Super over. However,
Sherfane rutherford and
Mohammed Amir saved the
day and carried them into the
first-ever pSL final
Sohail tanvir, who hadn't
put a foot wrong across the
two innings, erred in the
Super over as rutherford
smashed a four and a six off
him in a 13-run Super over.
Multan Sultans were still in
the hunt with the experienced
rossouw and Bopara out to
bat but Amir nailed his yorker
length to perfection
throughout to help his team
over the line eventually.
For long periods of the
chase of an under-par total of
141/7, it looked like karachi
kings would coast through on
the back of a solid bowling
performance complimented
perfectly by Babar Azam's
classy, stroke-filled 65. But
tanvir, whose cameo pushed
Multan Sultans to 141/7,
bowled an incredible doublewicket
over in the 17th to
bring the run-chase to a
screeching halt.
the pendulum swung
frantically as Imad Wasim still
kept his team's hopes alive
even after a flurry of
dismissals at the death. He
went after tanvir in the 19th
over to reduce the equation
from 19 off 12 to just 7 off the
last 6, but Mohammed Ilyas
held his nerve to drag the
Babar Azam made 65 off 53 before Karachi Kings sealed the Super Over win.
game into the Super over.
Asked to bat first on a twopaced
pitch at the National
stadium in karachi, Multan
Sultans had a disastrous start
as they lost three of their topfour
- inside the powerplay
overs. Amidst the collapse,
Multan opener Zeeshan
Ashraf was offered a reprieve
in the fourth over, but couldn't
make the opposition pay as he
fell while attempting to break
the shackles right after the
powerplay, holing out in the
deep off Imad Wasim.
the seasoned Bopara and
khushdil Shah set about
dragging their team out of the
mess, taking them from 40 for
4 in the seventh over to 78 for
4 in 12, including a 14-run
over where Wayne parnell
was at the receiving end of a
Bopara onslaught. khushdil
too was looking to get a move
on, which resulted in his
wicket in the following over
when Arshad Iqbal used
smart change of pace to
induce a mistimed pull shot
that went straight to deep
square leg fielder.
A brief period of lull
followed, before Shahid Afridi
Photo: AP
successfully pulled off an
attempt to deposit the ball
from Iqbal into the stands in
the 17th over. But as is his
wont, Afridi went for a big
shot once again on the
following delivery when Iqbal
took the pace off it. As a result,
Afridi's big heave went to Alex
Hales at long-on. to
compound their woes, Multan
lost Bopara in the 18th over
and put them at the risk of
finishing with a severely subpar
total. But, up stepped
tanvir with his six-hitting
prowess. He went after
parnell and finished with 25*
off 13 as Multan reached 141
for 7.
Salahuddin
praises booters
performance
SportS DeSk:
Bangladesh Football
Federation (BFF) president
kazi Mohammad Salahuddin
on Saturday praised the
performance of the players
who snatched a magnificent 2-
0 win over Nepal in the first
match of the 'Mujib Barsho'
FIFA International Friendly
series on Friday evening,
reports BSS.
"Actually it was a good game
….. both sides played well …
Bangladesh played very well in
the first half ….there should
have been one or two more
goals in the first half ….. It was
a good game and after
coronavirus players have
recovered a lot … it needs
some more time …this is
exactly which we are
expecting," said Salahuddin to
the pressmen today at his BFF
office when asked to evaluate
the players performance in the
first match.
He said the players played
with confidence in the first
match scoring both the goals
quality full they have the caliber
to do it but for whatever reason
they weren't able to do it.
the BFF boss also did not
forget to mention the role of
the media by saying that the
print and electronic media
have been giving the support
for the last one or two months
and it has increased the
confidence level of the players
which enabled them to play
better football against Nepal.
Salahuddin said it's a
matter of time to build a top
category football team if the
team has given support from
media, supporters as well as
the government.
Salahuddin announced
taka ten lacs for cash award
for booters after winning the
first match against Nepal,
and possibly the booters
would get more cash award
if they win the series 2-0.
SPORTS DeSK
Manchester United
midfielder paul pogba is
being hurt psychologically by
his situation at the club,
according to France national
team boss Didier Deschamps,
reports Ap.
Formerly the world's most
expensive player, pogba has
struggled to hold down a
regular spot at old trafford
over the course of the last 18
months, having been
hampered by injury, illness
and a loss of form.
His struggles continued in
Mohamed Salah has tested positive for coronavirus after initial confusion
over the Liverpool star's test result.
Photo: AP
Salah confirmed to have Covid-19 after
initial confusion over test results
SPORTS DeSK
the egyptian Football Association (eFA)
confirmed that forward Mohamed Salah has
tested positive for coronavirus after initial
confusion over the Liverpool star's test result,
reports Ap
the eFA originally announced on Friday that
Salah had tested positive before later deleting the
statement and putting out a different
announcement, saying three players from egypt
and their opponents on Saturday, togo, tested
positive and will have a second test before the
match.
But a follow-up statement from the eFA later
on Friday confirmed that Salah's second swab
had also come back positive, meaning the 28-
year-old will now be forced into self-isolation.
"egyptian National team and Liverpool star
Mohamed Salah has undergone a second test,
and the results have confirmed that Salah tested
positive for Covid-19," an eFA statement said.
"All necessary medical precautions have been
taken in line with the global medical protocol and
under the supervision of Dr. Mohamed Sutan,
Head of the Medical Committee at the eFA as
well as Dr. Mohamed Abou el ela, egyptian
National team doctor.
"While the first swab offered a positive result,
the egyptian FA has decided to carry out a second
test to confirm the result.
Man Utd struggles
'mentally impacting'
Pogba:Deschamps
one of his better periods.
"Like all players who have a
club situation that is not
positive, they are also
impacted mentally. I know
him well enough and it can
happen at some points."
While the World Cupwinning
coach backed the
player to recover from his
current issues, he admitted
that pogba cannot be
considered an automatic
starter for Saturday's Nations
League fixture against
portugal.
"periods like this can
happen," he said. "He has the
GD-1528/20 (3 x 3)
"Salah is keeping a high spirit and is not
showing any symptoms of the virus. He has been
isolated and the National team's doctor is
currently liaising with Dr. Jim Moxon, head of
Liverpool FC's medical staff, regarding this
matter."
the news is a fresh blow for Liverpool manager
Jurgen klopp, who has already lost central
defender Joe Gomez during this international
break. the england international was injured
during a training session and had to undergo
surgery on his knee. He now faces months out.
Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and trent Alexander-
Arnold are also long-term absentees with injury
for the premier League champions.
the only silver lining for Liverpool is the case of
Xherdan Shaqiri. He posted a false positive when
initially being diagnosed with coronavirus while
on international duty with Switzerland last
month and did not have to miss any games after
passing the second round of testing.
However, both Sadio Mane and thiago
Alcantara have previously tested positive and
were forced to miss the premier League visit to
Aston Villa, which Liverpool lost 7-2 in a stunning
collapse.
Salah had been called up for egypt ahead of a
double header against togo in Africa Cup of
Nations qualification. they play at home on
Saturday before travelling to the west African
nation for the return fixture on tuesday.
Argentina
stun all Blacks
for first ever
win over NZ
SportS DeSk:
A gutsy Argentina stunned
the all Blacks 25-15
Saturday to pull off one of
rugby's biggest upsets,
consigning
an
embarrassed New Zealand
to their first back-to-back
defeats in almost a decade,
reports BSS.
Fly-half Nicolas Sanchez
scored all the pumas'
points to hand them their
maiden victory over the
rugby powerhouse in the
30 tests they have played.
Mario Ledesma's side
were given virtually no
chance ahead of the tri
Nations match in Sydney
after a coronavirus-hindered
build up of only two low-key
practice games.
But in their first test
since the World Cup last
year, they pulled off a
miracle.
It was a humiliating
defeat for New Zealand
who were shocked 24-22
by the Wallabies in
Brisbane last week and
have now lost back-to-back
tests for the first time since
2011 when they crashed to
South Africa and Australia.
Coach Ian Foster axed 10
players and named what
many regarded as the All
Blacks' best run-on side
after last week's game, but
they were no match for a
pumas team helped by
former Australian coach
Michael Cheika.
Unlike Australia and
New Zealand, Argentina
did not have a Super rugby
competition to help them
prepare. But after months
of quarantine, they were
chomping at the bit and
took their frustrations out
on a sloppy All Blacks in a
dominant first-half.
GD-1524/20 (4 x 3)
GD-1516/20 (4 x 3)
The World Cup-winning coach also gave an update
on Kylian Mbappe's fitness and opined on rumours
linking Cristiano Ronaldo to PSG. Photo: AP
the international arena in
midweek as he was a member
of the France squad that
surprisingly lost 2-0 at home
against Finland.
"He's not in his best form, of
course. I knew that before the
game," Deschamps told the
media on Friday. "this match
was meant to give him some
rhythm. He knew that he
would only play for an hour.
"It's hard to remember to be
positive. obviously, he's not in
knowledge of the highest
level, the pride and the spirit
to be able to answer his critics.
"After that, I have decisions
to make on all the elements
compared to the other
players."
Another high-profile
member of the France squad
struggling for fitness is kylian
Mbappe, with the pSG star
still a doubt to line up against
a portugal squad containing
his idol, Cristiano ronaldo.
GD-1520/20 (6 x 3)
MonDAY, novEMBER 16, 2020
10
ASEAN, China, other partners
set world's biggest trade pact
China and 14 other countries agreed
Sunday to set up the world's largest
trading bloc, encompassing nearly a
third of all economic activity, in a deal
many in Asia are hoping will help
hasten a recovery from the shocks of
the pandemic, reports UNB.
The Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership, or RCEP, was
signed virtually on Sunday on the
sidelines of the annual summit of the
10-nation Association of Southeast
Asian Nations.
"I am delighted to say that after eight
years of hard work, as of today, we have
officially brought RCEP negotiations to
a conclusion for signing," said host
country Vietnam's Prime Minister
Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
"The conclusion of RCEP
negotiation, the largest free trade
agreement in the world, will send a
strong message that affirms ASEAN's
leading role in supporting the
multilateral trading system, creating a
new trading structure in the region,
enabling sustainable trade facilitation,
revitalizing the supply chains
Nearly a third of South Africa's
workforce was unemployed in the third
quarter of 2020, a 12-year high, as the
continent's most advanced economy
was battered by the Covid pandemic,
according to government figures
released Thursday, reports BSS.
Between July and September, the
jobless rate surged by 7.5 percentage
points to affect 30.8 percent of the
workforce, the national statistics agency
StatsSA said.
"In the 3rd quarter of 2020 there were
significant movements in the South
African labour market… which resulted
in a significant increase of 7.5
percentage points in the unemployment
rate to 30.8%," it said.
"This is the highest unemployment
rate recorded since the start of the
(Quarterly Labour Force Survey) in
2008."
In raw numbers, the tally of
disrupted by COVID-19 and assisting
the post pandemic recovery," Phuc
said.
The accord will take already low
tariffs on trade between member
countries still lower, over time, and is
less comprehensive than an 11-nation
trans-Pacific trade deal that President
Donald Trump pulled out of shortly
after taking office.
Apart from the 10-member
Association of Southeast Asian
Nations, it includes China, Japan,
South Korea, Australia and New
Zealand, but not the United States.
Officials said the accord leaves the door
open for India, which dropped out due
to fierce domestic opposition to its
market-opening requirements, to
rejoin the bloc.
It is not expected to go as far as the
European Union in integrating
member economies but does build on
existing free trade arrangements.
The deal has powerful symbolic
ramifications, showing that nearly four
years after Trump launched his
"America First" policy of forging trade
The Premier Bank Ltd has recently inaugurated Mirzapur Branch at Mirzapur Bazar, Tangail to
provide financial services to all. (Thandu Market, 1st floor, Kakoli Mor, Mirzapur Bazar,
Tangail).Additional Managing Director of the bank Md. Abdul Jabber Chowdhury inaugurated
the ceremony by cutting ribbon and was present as Chief Guest. Salma Akter, Paura Mayor,
Mirzapur, Tangail was present as special guest. Clients, well-wishers and dignitaries also
attended the local functions.
Photo: Courtesy
Easy Build, a retail chain shop of building materials of RFL Group, has opened its outlet at
Savar.
Photo: Courtesy
S.Africa jobless rate hits 12-year
high as more seek work
unemployed rose by 2.2 million in the
third quarter over the April-June
period, bringing the total to 6.5 million.
Young people were particularly badly
hit.
Unemployment rate increased by
nine percentage points among people
aged 15-24, who accounted for nearly
two-thirds of the jobless surge.
StatsSA said much of the increase in
numbers was for technical reasons
linked to the easing of coronavirus
restrictions.
Millions of people too discouraged to
even look for work during the country's
mobility restrictions were not officially
recorded as unemployed but instead
defined as "not economically active".
This pent-up number thus added to
the jobless figures when the restrictions
were relaxed in the third quarter and
they were able to register as
unemployed.
deals with individual countries, Asia
remains committed to multi-nation
efforts toward freer trade that are seen
as a formula for future prosperity.
Ahead of Sunday's RCEP "special
summit" meeting, Japanese Prime
Minister Yoshihide Suga said he would
firmly convey his government's
support for "broadening a free and fair
economic zone, including a possibility
of India's future return to the deal, and
hope to gain support from the other
countries."
The accord is also a coup for China,
by far the biggest market in the region
with more than 1.3 billion people,
allowing Beijing to cast itself as a
"champion of globalization and
multilateral cooperation" and giving it
greater influence over rules governing
regional trade, Gareth Leather, senior
Asian economist for Capital
Economics, said in a report.
China's official Xinhua News Agency
quoted Premier Li Keqiang hailing the
agreement as a victory against
protectionism, in remarks delivered via
a video link.
Easy Build
opens outlet
at Savar
Easy Build, a retail chain shop of
building materials of RFL Group,
has opened its outlet at Savar.
Around 4,000 building materials
including construction, electrical,
safety and security products will be
available at the outlet. Moreover, the
Easy Build outlet will provide
complete building solutions and
guidelines to the customers. Not
only that, if any customer wants,
Easy Build will build complete
building under its supervision as per
consumer requirement, a press
release said.
RN Paul, Managing Director of
RFL Group, opened the outlet
located at Savar DOHS recently.
Engr. Manik Sarkar, In-charge of
Easy Build, Amdadul Islam, Senior
Brand Manager, Brig Gen (Retd)
SM Farhad, President of Savar
DOHS Parishad, Lt. Col Moazzem
Hossain, Secretary of Savar DOHS
Parishad and high officials of Easy
Build were present at the program.
Recently A webinar held on virtual platform on "Settlement of Letters of Credit Related
International Trade Disputes through ADR" was organized jointly by Bangladesh International
Arbitration Centre (BIAC), the first registered Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) institution
of Bangladesh and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), a partner of BIAC and the
largest business chamber in Bangladesh.
Photo: Courtesy
BIAC, DCCI have organized a webinar
Recently A webinar held on
virtual platform on
"Settlement of Letters of
Credit Related International
Trade Disputes through
ADR" was organized jointly
by Bangladesh International
Arbitration Centre (BIAC),
the first registered
Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR) institution
of Bangladesh and Dhaka
Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (DCCI), a partner of
BIAC and the largest
business chamber in
Bangladesh, a press release
said.
Participating in the
webinar experts stressed
specifically on the issues and
challenges of resolution of
international trade disputes
arising out of Letters of Credit
(LC) through use of
Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR) methods
in Bangladesh, especially in
the wake of the spread of
COVID-19 pandemic
worldwide, which has
created an unprecedented
challenge in our economic
life. Through the webinar
experts explained as to how
ADR can help resolve
disputes between the parties
contracting under LC in
international trade deals.
With ADR institutions like
BIAC in Bangladesh and
other institutions existing in
the region, the webinar was
aimed at suggesting greater
transparency on how the
ADR processes including
arbitration and mediation
work and how they can
provide relatively
inexpensive and quick access
to the resolution of disputes
arising out of LC, particularly
in the developing nations.
President of DCCI Shams
Mahmud and Managing
Director, Shasha Denim Ltd.
& Shasha Garments Ltd. in
his Welcome Address
maintained that to mitigate
risk profile of businesses
institutional ADR processes
including arbitration and
mediation can be of immense
help especially in LC related
international trade disputes.
He emphasied the
importance of Letters of
Credit in businesses in
developing national trade
competency. He lauded
BIAC's role as a trend setter
and pioneer in bringing
businesses, banks, ADR
facilitators and the
Government agencies
together in order to
institutionalise best practices
of ADR in Bangladesh.
In his Closing Address
Chief Executive Officer BIAC
Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali
said that BIAC, as the only
licenced ADR centre of
Bangladesh, has arbitration,
mediation and other
methods of ADR in their
agenda and he emphasised
further cooperation with
DCCI to help resolve
commercial disputes in both
domestic and international
trade. He urged upon
business leaders, lawyers,
mediators and exponents of
ADR to come forward and
join BIAC's efforts in quick
and cost effective
dispensation of business
disputes for the greater
interest of the country. He
stressed the need of provision
of an ADR clause in
commercial contracts and
synchronising LC with Pro
Forma Invoice so that
interests of banks and parties
are well protected.
An expert Panel of
Speakers comprising
eminent business leaders,
bankers, lawyers and ADR
specialists from home and
abroad addressed issues and
impacts of the challenges of
LC related international
trade disputes and the way
forward through the
application of ADR
mechanism in this regard.
Business leaders, experts
from the legal fraternity,
corporate houses,
academicians, Arbitrators,
Mediators and ADR
specialists of high eminence
GD-1523/20 (10 x 3)
from home and abroad
participated in the largely
attended webinar through
Zoom transmission. The
webinar was moderated by
Barrister Shafayat Ullah,
Head of Group Legal Affairs,
Mutual Trust Bank Ltd.
Vincent O'Brien, Director,
International Chamber of
Commerce-UAE and
Member, Executive Board,
ICC Banking Commission,
Paris joined the webinar as a
Panellist. He expressed
satisfaction over BIAC's
contribution and continuous
efforts in facilitating ADR
norms. He said that
Bangladesh has the highest
level of practicing ICC Rules
in settling LC related
international cross border
trade disputes. He opined
that to businesses 'time is
money' and to save both time
and money ADR can be the
best practice to resolve such
disputes.
Taking part in the
discussion Md. Ahsan-uz
Zaman, Managing Director &
CEO, Midland Bank Limited
narrated his experience of a
banker and emphasised
incorporation of ADR clause
in both local and
international LC. He stressed
on the need of creating
awareness about ADR and
favoured new guidelines for
resolution of cross border
trade disputes in order to do
away with discrepancies in
LC.
Barrister Sameer Sattar,
Advocate, Supreme Court of
Bangladesh and Former
Director, DCCI viewed the
issue from a lawyer's
perspective and shared his
experience.
MonDAY, noveMBer 16, 2020
11
In observance of World Diabetes Day 2020, a discussion meeting was held at Kapasia on Saturday.
BCIC-226 Dt. 15/11/20
GD- 1518/20 (5 x 4)
GD- 1527/20 (8 x 4)
Photo: TBT
World Diabetes
Day observed
in Kapasia
Kapasia Correspondent:
A rally and view exchange
meetingwas been held on
the occasion of World
Diabetes Day organized by
KapasiaUpazila Diabetic
Association of Gazipur with
the theme that nurses can
make a difference in
diabetes services.
A rally was brought out
from the office of the Upazila
Diabetic Association on
Saturday and ended at the
Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed
Chattar. During the time,
Awami League President
Abdul Halim Khokon,
General Secretary of the
Diabetic Association Tanvir
Haque Sohail and CEO of
Kapasia Diabetic
Association Dr. Zulkar
Naeem Ibne Noman were
present.
Later a view exchange
meeting was held which was
chaired by Kapasia Diabetic
Association General
Secretary Tanvir Haque
Sohailwhile among others,
Vice President of Kapasia
Diabetes Association and
District Awami League
Member Engineer Hamidul
Haque, CEO of Kapasia
Diabetic Association Dr.
Zulkar Naeem Ibne Noman
and Jugantar'sKapasia
correspondent Saiful Islam
Shaheen were present at the
occasion.
I took Covid-19 as a
challenge: outgoing
DMCH director
DHAKA: Covid-19 had rung
the alarm bell loud and clear,
creating panic among
people, reports UNB.
But Brigadier General
AKM Nasiruddin, outgoing
director of Dhaka Medical
College and Hospital
(DMCH), took it as a
challenge since the start of
the outbreak in the country.
"I worked at the hospital
from the beginning of the
outbreak, but have not yet
got tested for Covid-19,"
Nasiruddin said.
"And today is my last day,
and I will get a test before
leaving," he said while
talking at his farewell
program at Dhaka Medical
Reporters Association on
Sunday.
Brigadier General
Mohamamd Nazmul
Haque, new director of
DMCH, was also present
there.
"I took Covid-19 as a
challenge and joined other
colleagues at the hospital
even during holidays. Many
doctors and staff of the
hospital got infected while
performing duties, but I did
not get tested," Nasiruddin
said.
cvwb- 274/2020-2021
GD- 1517/20 (17 x 3)
Monday, Dhaka, November 16, 2020, Agrayan 1, 1427 BS, Rabi-ul Awal 29, 1442 Hijri
Construction of 8 LNG power
plants with 3,471MW
capacity underway
Dhaka: eight power plants based on
gas/liquefied Natural Gas (lNG) with a
combined generation capacity of 3,471
megawatts (MW) were under construction,
reports BSS.
"The under construction gas/lNG
based power plants having generation
capacity of 3,471 MW will begin operation
in phases from December 2020 to
December 2022," State Minister for
Power, energy and Mineral Resources
Nasrul hamid told BSS on Sunday.
he said after assuming power, the
present government constructed 111
new power plants having generation
capacity of 18,606 MW in the last 11
years after taking time-befitting, realistic
and sustainable steps.
Nasrul hamid said, "Currently the
country's power generation capacity
reaches 23,548 MW that has helped the
government to bring about 98 percent
people under power coverage and it has
been possible due to bold and dynamic
leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh
hasina."
"We have been making all-out strides
to light up the country's all households
as well as ensure uninterrupted, quality
and affordable electricity supply for all
by 'Mujib Barsha' (Mujib year), marking
Serve people with love
and smile : IGP
Dhaka: Inspector General of Police
(IGP) Dr Benazir ahmed yesterday asked
police to be more humane and ensure
proper services to people so that no service-seeker
gets harassed or tortured in any
way, reports BSS.
"Police have to be humane to people . . .
They must ensure proper services to service-seekers
so that none gets harassed anyway,"
he told the police, adding that "Serve
people with love and smile."
The IGP said this while exchanging
views with constables, naek and assistant
sub-inspectors (aSIs) of Dhaka
Metropolitan Police (DMP) at Rajarbagh
Police lines auditorium today, with
DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam
in the chair.
additional IG Md Mainur Rahman
Chowdhury, Chief of Special Branch (SB)
Mir Shahidul Islam, Criminal
Investigation Department (CID) Chief
Barrister Mahbubur Rahman and other
senior officials were present there.
Reiterating the incumbent government's
"Zero Tolerance" policy against
corruption, the IGP said corruption in
the birth centenary of Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman," he said.
according to ministry information,
Ghorashal Unit-4 repowering 200MW,
Shahzibazar 100MW, Bibiyana South
383MW, Ghorashal Unit-3 repowering
206MW will begin operation from next
month.
ashuganj 400MW power plant will
join for electricity generation on June
2021 and Rupsha 880MW will begin
operation from September 2022 to
December 2022, as per the schedule.
Information provided by the ministry,
however, said that Meghnaghat
584MW power plant will commence on
July 2022 and Meghnaghat 718MW
plant on august 2022.
according to the Power Sector Master
Plan, the country needs to achieve continuous
economic growth of 7.4 percent
annually for the period 2016-2020 to
initially reach the standard of medium
to high-income nations.
Talking to BSS, Director General of
Power Cell engineer Mohammad
hossain said the power ministry is planning
for setting up five more gas/lNG
based power plants with capacity of
8,575 MW.
police won't be tolerated at all and police's
jobs are not for those who want to be billionaire
by corrupt practices.
The IGP firmly hoped that no police
man would take drugs, do drugs trade and
maintain relations with drug dealers.
"We want to go to the people. Beat policing
has been introduced by dividing the
country into 6,912 beats. This will help
make law and order control easier," he
added.
Dr ahmed said transparency has been
brought in the recruitment and transfer of
police across the country.
Referring to the police services to people,
which got appreciation both at home
and abroad, the police chief said people's
confidence as well as their expectations in
the police has increased.
The IGP told police that each police
member should avail the opportunity as it
is a rare scope as well as a matter of honor
to work for the country and its people.
as a disciplined force, the police should
give utmost priority to discipline, he said
adding that discipline cannot be mixed
with welfare.
Rohingya Crisis
S Korea provides
$ 1.5 million
to UNHCR
Dhaka : South korea has provided
US$ 1.5 million to the UNhCR
Bangladesh Office to support its activities
in Cox's Bazar under the 2020 Joint
Response Plan(JRP) for the Rohingya
humanitarian crisis, reports UNB.
Since the outbreak of the Rohingya
crisis in 2017, the South korean government
has been closely working with the
international community to resolve the
refugee crisis, said the korean embassy
in Dhaka on Sunday.
South korea has provided the UNhCR
Bangladesh Office with a total of US$ 4.2
million between 2017 and 2020 for its
Rohingya refugee-related activities.
at the conference on Sustaining
Support for Rohingya Refugee
Response held on October 22, the
korean government expressed deep
concerns over the Rohingya refugees;
protracted humanitarian situation.
The South korean government
announced that this year it will provide
more than US$ 10 million, which
includes US$ 7.5 million for the work of
the UN agencies under the Bangladesh
Joint Response Plan, aSeaN, and the
civil society, to help improve the
humanitarian situation of the affected
populations.
South korea stated that it provided a
total of US$ 17 million in humanitarian
assistance from 2017 to 2019 to help
protect the displaced persons and assist
host communities. The South korean
embassy said korea will continue to
make its best effort to address the
humanitarian crisis resulting from the
Rohingya refugees in close cooperation
with the Bangladesh Government and
the international community.
Bangladesh reports
another 1837
coronavirus cases,
21 deaths
Dhaka : Bangladesh reported 1837
new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24
hours until Sunday morning, taking the
country's overall tally to 432,333,
reports UNB.
Besides, 21 more deaths were reported
in the same period, driving total fatalities
to 6,194. So far, 349,542 patients (80.85
percent) have recovered -- 1693 in the last
24 hours. The fatality rate in Bangladesh
is 1.43 percent, the Directorate General of
health Services said.
Bangladesh reported its first cases on
March 8. The number of cases reached
the 300,000-mark on august 26. The
first death was reported on March 18
and the death toll exceeded 6,000 on
November 4.
So far, 2,541,194 tests have been carried
out, including 14,060 new tests, and
17.01 percent of them have turned out
positive.
The farmers in Bagerhat use various techniques to produce betel in a non-toxic manner. The yield and taste of
betel has increased. Since its recognition as an export product, the income from betel cultivation has also
increased in the district.
Photo: Star Mail
Marayan Tang Jadi mountain is the highest peak of Miriganga range in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban district.
Adventure lover's travels to the mountain to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Photo: Star Mail
FM hopeful of signing
Teesta deal
Submission of income tax returns
through online resumes
Dhaka: The submission of income tax
returns through online has resumed as
the income taxpayers of Taxes Zone-6 of
the capital were initially enjoying such
facility, reports BSS.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR)
Chairman abu hena Md Rahmatul
Muneem inaugurated the operations of
this programme at the Taxes Zone-6 in
the capital's Paltan area on Sunday.
The valued taxpayers were able to
submit their returns through online for
the last three years, thanks to the operations
of a software, developed by FPT
Information System Corporation of
Vietnam. But, that facility came to a halt
in June last following the completion of
the term of the agreement with the
Vietnamese company.
after reopening of the operations of
online income tax payment, the NBR
Chairman said the taxpayers would be
able to submit their returns through
online from only one taxes zone this year.
"But, such facility will be expanded up to
all taxes zones of the country by the next
year," he added.
Muneem said, "It seems to me that it's
RaJShahI : Foreign Minister Dr ak
abdul Momen on Sunday expressed his
optimism over signing of Teesta water
sharing deal with India saying it remains
ready for signing since 2011.
"India frequently reiterates (its commitment)
about it. It remains ready to be
signed. I think it would be done," he told
reporters at Rajshahi College but did not
give any possible signing date.
he said the Teesta deal could not be
signed due to India's internal reason.
Dr Momen said human resources and
rivers are very important assets but it will
be a curse for all if they cannot ensure best
use of these. The Foreign Minister said
Bangladesh and India are working on 54
common rivers.
In October last year, Prime Minister
Sheikh hasina highlighted that the people
of Bangladesh have been waiting to see
the early signing and implementation of
the framework of interim agreement for
the sharing of Teesta waters as agreed
upon by both governments in 2011.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi informed that his government is
working with all stakeholders in India
for the conclusion of the agreement at
the soonest possible time, according to
a 53-point joint statement that termed
the relations between the two countries
"a bond transcending strategic relationship".
Indian high Commissioner to
Bangladesh Vikram kumar Doraiswami
has conveyed his government's commitment
to finding mutually acceptable solutions
to all the issues with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh and India are in discussion
to hold a Water Resources Secretary-level
meeting in December before the Ministerlevel
talks between the two countries on
water issues, officials said.
The two countries expressed optimism
to hold a Joint Rivers Commission (JRC)
meeting this year to discuss water sharing
of common rivers.
Dr Momen said the government of
Prime Minister Sheikh hasina will never
sign any deal against interest of the country
and its people but will enhance connectivity
with India for a win-win situation
for both.
Responding to a question, Dr Momen
said the government has planned to shift
100,000 Rohingyas to Bhasan Char for
better living with economic opportunities
for Rohingyas.
however, no date is fixed yet to relocate
them from congested Cox's Bazar camps.
"We wanted to avoid risk of landslides
and deaths in Rohingya camps," Dr
Momen said.
he hoped the new US government
under Biden administration will have
stronger voice on Rohingya issue.
The Foreign Minister hoped to see
growing trade and investment relations
between Bangladesh and the US.
"I believe they will come on their own
for win-win situation. Bangladesh is a
land of opportunity," he said. Dr Momen
said Bangladesh and the US will speak in
one voice on climate issues with increased
assistance from the US.
not a matter of pain for the TIN holders to
pay tax. But, submitting returns seems to
be a problem and in order to address this
issue, we've developed a software to facilitate
submission of income tax returns
through online."
he informed that with the help of this
software, the TIN holders under Taxes
Zone-6 in the capital would be able to
submit their returns directly through
online.
There are a total of 1.35 lakh taxpayers
in this zone and this software would play
an important role to facilitate submission
of income tax returns through online during
this COVID-19 pandemic.
Mentioning that the development of
this software is a "very successful endevour"
of the revenue board, the NBR
Chairman said, "We've now stepped into
the platform of online return submission.
We'll further develop it and based on this,
we'll undertake operations for submission
of income tax through online at other
taxes zones of the capital."
he also informed that the taxpayers
would get the acknowledgement receipts
once they submit their returns.
Home Minister
tests Covid-19
positive
Dhaka : home Minister
asaduzzaman khan kamal was found
infected with Coronavirus on
Saturday night, reports BSS.
home Ministry Public Relation
Officer Sharif Mahmud confirmed
the matter.
Covid-19 test result of home
Minister came positive on Saturday
night, he said, adding that Senior
Secretary of the ministry's Public
Security Department Mustafa kamal
Uddin was also diagnosed with
Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh reported
1837 new cases of Covid-19 in the
past 24 hours until Sunday morning,
taking the country's overall tally to
432,333.
Besides, 21 more deaths were
reported in the same period, driving
total fatalities to 6,194.
Bangladesh registered its first cases
on March 8. The first death was
reported on March 18 and the death
toll exceeded 6,000 on November 4.
SMP provides
Tk 50,000 to
Raihan's mother
SylheT : Sylhet Metropolitan Police
(SMP) on Sunday handed over Tk
50,000 to mother of Raihan ahmed
who was killed at Bandarbazar police
outpost, reports UNB.
Superintendent of Police Farid
Uddin handed over the money from
the district Police Welfare Fund at his
office.
Raihan's mother expressed gratitude
to the district police as they
arrested the suspended Sub-
Inspector akbar hossain Bhuiyan.
Farid Uddin also assured Raihan's
mother of getting justice for her lost
son and gave gift items for Raihan's
children.
On October 11, Raihan, 34, a resident
of akharia in Sylhet city, was
beaten to death in police custody, his
family said.
his wife Tahmina akter Tanni filed
a case at kotwali Police Station the
following day accusing a number of
unidentified people.
Four policemen, including the then
in-charge of Bandarbazar Police outpost
Sub-Inspector akbar, were suspended
on October 12. Three policemen
were also withdrawn the same
day.
The case has been transferred to
the Police Bureau of Investigation.
Besides, the Sylhet Metropolitan
Police (SMP) formed a committee to
look into the death of Raihan. after a
primary investigation, it found some
policemen guilty of foul play.
after the autopsy, doctors said
there were 111 injury marks on
Raihan's body and two of his nails
were pulled out.
On October 22, former SMP
Commissioner Golam kibria was
transferred over widespread criticism
of the role of police in Raihan's death.
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