29-09-2022

thursday

Dhaka : September 29, 2022; Ashwin 14, 1429 BS; Rabi-ul Awal 2, 1444 Hijri www.thebangladeshtoday.com; www.bangladeshtoday.net

Regd.No.DA~2065, Vol.20; N o. 132; 12 Pages~Tk.8.00

InternatIonal

Cuba without electricity

after hurricane

hammers power grid

>Page 7

Bangladesh media

is free to criticize

my govt:PM

DHAKA : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

has said that Bangladesh's growing media

during her tenures has the freedom to say

whatever they wish to say.

"After speaking all, if someone says that

he/she's not allowed to speak, what would

be the answer? That's my question," she said

in an interview with the Bengali service of

Voice of America (VoA) aired on Tuesday.

The prime minister was responding to a

question on the Digital Security Act (DSA)

enacted by her government and its impact

on freedom of media. She is now in

Washington on a visit to the United States.

She said that Bangladesh had only a few

TV and radio stations before she came to

power in 1996 and those were controlled

by the government.

PM Hasina said once she came to

power, she made an opening for the private

sector to run media houses freely.

She said there are around 32 private television

channels that are now operational

among the approved 44 TV channels.

The prime minister said people are taking

part in television talk shows and they

keep talking freely - true or false - and keep

criticizing the government.

She said there was no freedom of speech

or movement when there was a military

dictator in power.

Eden College BCL infighting

President and 7

others sued

DHAKA : A case was filed at Dhaka

Metropolitan Magistrate court on

Wednesday against eight Bangladesh

Chhatra League (BCL) activists of its

Eden Mohila College unit including

president Tamanna Jesmin Riva and

general secretary Razia Sultana on

charges of attempt to murder.

Taking the case into cognizance,

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Syed

Mostafa Reza Nur instructed Lalbagh

police to investigate the matter and

submit a report on October 23.

Eden college BCL vice president

Jannatul Ferdous submitted a plea to

file the case at the court.

The other accused are- Nujhat Faria

Roksana, Meem Islam, Nur Jahan,

Ritu Akter, Anika Tabassum Shorna

and Kamrun Nahar Jyoti.

According to the case statement,

three to four BCL activists including

Shorna entered Jannatul's room at the

instruction of Riva and Razia with

local weapons and vandalized her

belongings in her absence on

September 24. They also looted cash

Tk 20,000, gold ornaments and her

laptop.

The eight accused also physically assaulted

Jannatul in front of Ayesha Hall of the

college, leaving her critically injured. Later,

teachers took her to a nearby hospital. The

accused also threatened to kill her if she

does not leave the campus.

Earlier on Sunday, BCL suspended

all activities of its Eden Mohila College

unit committee following infightings

between its two groups which left at

least eight people injured.

BCL also expelled 16 leaders and

activistsfrom the organisation for violating

the rules.

Zohr

04:35 AM

11:55 PM

04:09 PM

05:53 PM

07:52 PM

5:48 5:50

DHAKA : Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

has said the Election Commission is completely

"free and independent" and a system

has been established through independent

EC to hold "free and fair" elections

in Bangladesh. "Now the Election

Commission is completely free. We have

made the EC independent completely,"

she told the Bengali service of Voice of

America (VoA) in an interview aired on

Tuesday.

The prime minister, now on a visit to the

US, responded to a number of questions

on democracy, human rights, Rohingya

crisis, Digital Security Act and other issues.

She said Bangladesh has progressed

much during her three consecutive

tenures. "The country didn't see the downtrend;

rather the country witnessed the

advancement (during our three consecutive

terms)."

The premier said the rate of poverty has

been decreased; people are getting food,

education and healthcare. "We're fulfilling

their all basic needs."

Responding to a question, PM

Hasina described how political parties

like BNP and Jatiya Party were born

under the leadership of military dictators

and how the military dictators

seized the power illegally.

Dhaka's heart-

Buriganga is now a

dead river due to

endless pollution. The

name of Buriganga has

long been included in

the list of polluted

rivers in the world.

Tannery industry has

also been removed

from its banks to prevent

pollution.

However, the level of

pollution has not

decreased at all. The

photo was taken from

Sadarghat area on

Wednesday.

Photo: Star Mail

sports

Racial slur, laser pens at

players mar Brazil's 5-1

win over Tunisia in friendly

>Page 9

EC is free to hold fair

polls:PM tells VoA

She said the parties which are born

under military dictators' leadership are

not used to develop relations with the

common people going close to the people;

rather they are used to snatch votes and

clinch to power by force or at gunpoint.

"They might not like the democratic

trend."

Former UN High Commissioner for

Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, during

her visit to Bangladesh, encouraged the

government to create an "independent,

specialised mechanism" that works closely

with victims, families and civil society to

investigate allegations of enforced disappearances

and extrajudicial killings.

When asked about it, the PM said there

is National Human Rights Commission in

Bangladesh which always takes steps.

"They look into it if there is any allegation."

She said after the repeated requests,a list

of around 70 people was received and

there were seven cases of death.

Hasina said wherever any injustice takes

place; steps are taken immediately as per

the law which was not seen in the past.

"Not abusing human rights, we are protecting

human rights," she said, adding

that her government has made the people

aware of their rights and made it sure that

people can enjoy their rights.

Rab established itself as a role

model, says its outgoing DG

DHAKA : Outgoing Director General

(DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab)

Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun has

said that the elite force has established

itself as a role model of

law enforcement in the

country and in the global

arena.

"Rab force has

achieved trust and confidence

of the people of

the country due to its

members' competency

and bravery," the DG

said during a view

exchange meeting with

journalists on

Wednesday.

During the meeting,

the Rab DG highlighted many success of

the force that have been achieved during

his tenure.

"The government has zero-tolerancepolicy

against terrorism. During my

tenure, Rab detained around 800 terrorists

of different organizations. After

taking over as Rab chief, I started a

rehabilitation program for the militants.

Under this de-radicalization and rehabilitation

programme, nine militants

surrendered and returned to normal

lives in 2021," said Chowdhury.

The DG added that the Sundarbans

has become robber-free due to drives

conducted by Rab.

"Under my command, the

Sundarbans became safe through the

surrender of 328 robbers from 32 robbery

gangs. On the third anniversary of

making the forest robber-free,

Rab distributed

fishing nets, engine

boats, domestic animals,

shops and houses

among these people so

that they can lead a normal

life and earn their

livelihoods in a legal

way," he added.

The DG mentioned

that besides the

Sundarbans, Rab also

secured Chattogram's

Banshkhali and Cox's

Bazar's Maheshkhali and Kutubdia

coasts as drives conducted by the elite

force resulted into the surrender of 77

robbers from 12 robbers gangs in

2020.

Besides terrorism and robbery, the

Rab DG also talked about the force's contributions

in dealing with the drugs

issue.

" I took initiatives to close the routes

and channels of drugs movement alongside

detaining the drug dealers. Around

36,000 drug traders and dealers were

detained and drugs worth Tk 2,300

crore were seized by Rab during my

time," said the Rab DG.

art & culture

Niloy, Heme pairs up

in 'Poran Pakhi'

>Page 10

The above road is a death trap. Accidents can happen at any time. The picture is taken

from Topkhana Road in the capital.

Photo : Star Mail

Covid-19 vaccine

First two doses won't

be available after

Oct 3:DGHS DG

DHAKA : Directorate General of

Health Services (DGHS) Director

General (DG) Prof Dr Abul Bashar

Mohammad Khurshid Alam has said

that the government won't provide first

and second doses of Covid-19 vaccine

after October 3.

The DG said this during a press conference

at the conference room of

DGHS in the capital Wednesday noon.

"On the occasion of Prime Minister

Sheikh Hasina's birthday, we've started

a special vaccination campaign for

those who haven't received first and

second doses of Covid-19 vaccine yet.

The campaign will continue till

October 3 and we won't provide the

first two doses of the vaccine after this

time. However, we'll keep administering

the booster doses," said Khurshid.

About the fourth dose of the Covid-19

vaccine, the DG said that it'll be provided

once World Health Organization

(WHO) allows it.

Pointing out that the government has

already reached its vaccination target,

Khurshid added that they're trying to

increase the pace of vaccination campaigns

as there are still some people

who are unvaccinated.

"Out of the country's total population,

97 per cent has received the first dose of

the vaccine while the rates of receiving

the second and booster doses of the

vaccine are 90 percent and 41 per cent

respectively.

Our stock is limited while the expiry

dates of some of the vaccines are also

approaching. The good news is that we

still have three crore doses of vaccine,"

Khurshid added.

No additional LNG supply from

Qatar before 2025:Petrobangla

DHAKA : Bangladesh is unlikely to get any

additional liquefied natural gas (LNG)

from Qatar before 2025 as the gulf country

has recently turned down a request in

this regard.

According to official sources in Dhaka,

Qatar straight away rejected a plea to

increase its supply of LNG right at this

moment when Bangladesh has desperately

been looking for primary fuel at a cheaper

rate.

Petrobangla chairman Nazmul Ahsan,

who recently led a delegation to Qatar,

said the energy-rich gulf nation did not

agree to Bangladesh's request to immediately

increase the supply.

"They only agreed to increase LNG supply

from 2025" he told UNB adding, "We

can get additional 2 million ton per

annum (MTPA) of LNG from that time"

"But the rate and other terms and conditions

have not been settled yet", he noted.

Bangladesh has been importing LNG

from Qatar and Oman since 2018 under

two separate long-term contracts.

As per a 15-year contract with Qatar, it

can supply the highest 2.5 MTPA of LNG

and the supply will not come below 1.8

MTPA.

DHAKA : Awami League (AL) General

Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges

Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said

that BNP will be given befitting reply if they

take to the streets with sticks hanging the

national flag.

"None will be allowed to play with sticks

and fire," he said at a discussion, marking

AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina's 76th birthday at Bangabandhu

International Conference Center (BICC) in

the city.

AL Presidium Member Begum Matia

Chowdhury presided over the discussion.

Presidium members Dr Md Abdur

Razzque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Shajahan

Khan, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury

Maya, Bir Bikram, and Abdur Rahman,

joint general secretaries Mahbubul Alam

Hanif, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni,

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr

Hasan Mahmud and AFM Bahauddin

Nasim, organizing secretaries Ahmed

Hossain, BM Mozammel Haque and

Advocate Afzal Hossain, Liberation War

Affairs Secretary Advocate Mrinal Kanti

Since the contract is a long-term one,

the rate of the LNG was relatively lower -

between $11-$17 per MMBtu (million

British Thermal Unit) - compared with its

higher rate in the international spot market

, said a Petrobangla official.

After improvement in the Covid-19 situation,

demands grew for primary fuel

pushing up the LNG price in the spot market.

The Russian-Ukraine war that began in

February deteriorated the situation with

the LNG price skyrocketing to $70 per

MMBtu before coming down to current

price of around $37 per MMBtu.

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh

moved to raise import of LNG under longterm

contracts.

State Minister for Power, Energy and

Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid visited

Qatar in March this year and met with

Qatar's State Minister for Energy Saad

Sherida Al-Kaabi, in Doha to place a

request to increase the supply.

As follow-up of the state-minister's

meeting, the Petrobangla team, led by its

chairman, visited Qatar recently and held

a meeting with the LNG supply company

to increase the supply.

BNP will be given reply if it

takes to streets with sticks

hanging flags : Quader

Das, Relief and Social Welfare Affairs

Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, Science and

Technology Affairs Engineer Md Abdus

Sabur, Labor and Manpower Affairs

Secretary Habibur Rahman Siraj, Office

Secretary Biplab Barua and Women Affairs

Secretary Maher Afroz Chumki, Dhaka City

North AL President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman

and Dhaka City South AL President Abu

Ahmad Mannafi were present at the event,

among others.

AL Deputy Publicity and Publishing

Secretary Aminul Islam conducted the discussion.

Quoting Zafrullah Chowdhury

about his remarks about BNP's stick

dependent politics, Quader said,

"Politically disabled BNP is now depending

on sticks. I am not saying this rather

Zafrullah Chowdhury made the comment".

Noting that the stick had gone from

politics, but BNP has brought back it,

the AL general secretary said, "Hanging

the national flag with sticks, BNP is

threatening that the sticks would be

much longer. What audacity they are

showing? We will reply to that".

THruSDay, SePTeMBer 29, 2022

2

On the occasion of birth anniversary of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Information and

Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud was present as the chief guest in an inauguration program

of Biography Based Time Line Story 'Sheikh Hasina Protidin' on Wednesday.

Photo: PID

Sheikh Hasina now becomes world

climate leader: Shahab Uddin

DHAKA : Environment, Forest and

Climate Change Minister Md Shahab

Uddin yesterday said Prime Minister

Sheikh Hasina has become now a

global climate leader as she has been

playing a strong role for the people

affected by climate change.

He said her remarkable work and

strong voice in the global fight against

climate change are being admired all

over the world.

"Her advice on dealing with climate

risks is now being adopted at various

meetings around the world. Under the

leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina, Bangladesh is now a role

model in the world to combat climate

change," Shahab Uddin said at a

discussion on the occasion of the 76th

birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina at the conference room of the

Ministry of Environment, Forest and

Climate Change here.

The Environment Minister said

Bangladesh will not have to look back

but it will only move forward.

"As long as the country is under the

leadership of Sheikh Hasina, it will be

safe...she is making the country

beautiful. We all have to work sincerely

to realize her dream," he said.

The minister wished Sheikh Hasina's

long life to complete the remaining

tasks of making the country a

developed and prosperous one.

Additional Secretary (Climate

Change) of the Ministry Md

Moniruzzaman recited a poem entitled

'Angel of Bangladesh' written by

himself on Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina from the poetry book entitled

"Ekattor Ekti Mohakabbo".

He mentioned, "Bengalis around

you are hopeful, Bengali will wake up

again, will take a place on the map of

the world, will sit on a high seat of

dignity in self-glory; our beloved

motherland Bangladesh will be

revealed with the cheerful smile of

Sheikh Hasina, the angel of

Bangladesh!"

Deputy Minister Habibun Nahar,

Additional Secretary (Development)

Md. Mizanul Hoque Chowdhury,

Additional Secretary (Climate Change)

Md. Moniruzzaman, Director General

of the Department of Environment Md.

Abdul Hamid and Chief Conservator of

Forests Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury

also spoke at the meeting.

World Heart Day today

DHAKA : The World Heart Day-2022 will be observed in

Bangladesh as elsewhere across the globe today with a view to

raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases.

'Use Heart for Every Heart' is the theme for World Heart Day

this year. Every year on the 29th of September, people all

around the world observe World Heart Day as a means to draw

attention to the causes of cardiovascular illnesses, their

management and how to use the heart for humanity, nature

and you. The discussion around World Heart Day is of the

highest importance because of the increasing number of heart

attacks and other heart-related cases that have come into the

limelight with more and more people being affected by these

cardiovascular issues. Unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary

lifestyle too are of importance to people of all ages and

awareness regarding the same is crucial. According to the

World Heart Federation, heart disease and strokes are the

world's leading causes of death, killing 17.1 million people

annually.

Bangladesh-Nordic Relations

Cosmos Dialogue's latest

instalment to air today

DHAKA :A webinar titled "Bangladesh-Nordic Relations:

Prognosis for the Future" will air today on UNB's social media

Thursday evening, at 7:30pm.

Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von

Linde, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-

Svendsen and Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh Winnie

Estrup Petersen will jointly deliver the keynote speech at the

webinar. Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the

Cosmos Group, is hosting the dialogue as part of its ongoing

Ambassador's Lecture Series.

Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan will deliver

the opening remarks while the session will be chaired by Dr

Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and

former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker

Government.

2 held with 19 gold

bars in Jashore

JASHORE: Members of Border Guard Bangladesh in separate

drives arrested two people with 19 gold bars from Benapole Port

Thana area in the district on Tuesday night, reports BSS.

The detained were identified as Asha, 28, hailed from

Benapole municipality area and Rahman Bishal, 27, a resident

at Namaj village in the same upazila.

Commander of 49 BGB Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Shahed

Minhaj Siddique said, being informed, they stopped a

motorcycle around 10.30pm in Maliputa area. The motorcyclist

left his bike and ran away. After searching the motorcycle, the

BGB men found 18 pieces of gold bars weighing 2.1 kilograms,

Shahed Minhaj Siddique added.

GD-1582/22 (4 x 2)

Memo No-37.07.7600.00.07.033.19.22.1015/12 Date: 27/09/2022

GD-1586/22 (10x4)

GD-1580/22 (12x4)

THURSDAY, SePTeMBeR 29,

3

DU VC Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman addressing a program on the occasion of Diamond Jubilee of Mass

Communication and Journalism department.

Photo : Courtesy

Graduation Day celebrated

PM never compromises

on question of people’s

right: Khalid

DHAKA : State Minister for

Shipping Khalid Mahmud

Chowdhury yesterday said

Awami League President and

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

did never compromise on the

question of people's right.

"Anti-liberation forces had

tried to kill Sheikh Hasina

again and again, but she is still

working relentlessly for the

country and people," he said,

addressing as the chief guest a

discussion organized by

Bangabandhu Sangskritik

Jote at National Press Club

marking the 76th birthday of

Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina.

He said the people's

fundamental rights have been

established led by AL

President Sheikh Hasina in

the country. Poverty has been

eradicated and Bangladesh

has been promoted to a

middle income country, he

added.

BSMRAAU organizes

training and interaction

programme

Bangabandhu Sheikh

Mujibur Rahman Aviation

and Aerospace University

(BSMRAAU) arranged a

training and interaction

programme

on

implementation of National

Integrities Strategy and

proper preparation of

income tax returns on

Wednesday at Dhaka

campus. Air Commodore

Md Afzal Hossain (retd)-

Dean, Faculty of AVM and

President, APA Committee

delivered the welcome

speech.

Dr.Hosnay Nasrin-

Assistant Professor of

AVOM Department and

Focal Point Officer of Ethics

Committee, presented

keynote speech on

implementation of National

Integrity Strategy. Director

of Finance of university

Group Captain Md. Rafiqul

Islam presented a speech on

income tax law and policy.

FMd Sazzad Hossain (Ret),

FCMA gave a fundamental

idea about the proper

preparation of income tax

returns.He also urged to

contribute to the

development of the country

as a citizen of moral integrity

by earning the respect of a

proud income tax payer by

filing income tax returns on

time. The Pro-VC,

distinguished experts, Dean,

Faulty members and officer

of the university participated

in the said training and

stakeholders meeting. The

members of Lalmonirhat

campus of the university

also participated virtually.

Apart from this university,

representatives

ofBangladesh University of

Professionals, Bangabandhu

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Maritime University, Civil

Aviation Authority of

Bangladesh, Bangladesh

Space Research Remote

SensingandAir Force were

present in the event.

The event concluded with

an open discussion, lively

question and answer session

and exchange of views

moderated by Group

Captain EnamulHaque

(Retd) Additional Registrar

and Member of Ethics

Committee.

at Daffodil Int’l School

To meet up the cravings for learning

and achievement, Daffodil

International School, Uttara Branch,

organized the Grand Graduation

Program and Awarding Ceremony

2022 yesterday at school campus in

Rupayan City, Uttara. For the young

learners of Daffodil International

School, it had been marked as the

starting of the journey to the world of

great achievement. Their stepping foot

into the new era of a changed academic

life had been as the white clouds that

accompany the birds flying in the sky

freely. The feelings of the students and

There is no alternative to tree plantation

in human life: Helal Akbar Babor

TBT REPORT

Durbar Tarunno,' a major social and

voluntary organisation of Bangladesh,

has organised a programme with a

difference in Chattogram by planting

over 100 saplings on Tuesday

afternoon. Keeping the theme, 'Amar

Jatne Amar Gachh' (my tree under my

care) in the forefront, the popular

organisation planted the saplings in the

CRB area of the port city under its

'Amra Mali' (we are gardeners) project.

Following the programme, another

session of the ongoing project has been

completed.

Presided over by Muhammad Abu

Abid, the founder of 'Durbar Tarunno,'

the event was graced by Helal Akbar

Chowdhury Babar, the innovator of the

country's lone corona prevention

booth, as the Chief Guest. While

speaking as the Chief Guest, Helal

Akbar Chowdhury Babar said that trees

are oxygen factories. Human beings,

trees and animals all have gaseous

relationship through which one

another is benefited. There is no

alternative to tree plantation for

protecting the environment. As per

teachers created a spectacular

atmosphere, a press release said

Shahin Reza, Country Manager

Bangladesh, CAIE, was present in the

program as the chief guest while Mr.

Mohammad Nuruzzaman, CEO,

Daffodil Family was present as the

guest of Honour. Mr. Mahir Ali Khan

Ratul, Co-Chairman, Rupayan,

Sarawat Reza, Business Development

Manager, British Council, Wasima

Jahir, Account Relationship Manager,

British Council and Mahbubur

Rahman, DMD, Rupayan were present

as the special guests. Dr. Md

experts, it is imperative to keep forest in

25 percent area of a country. But in

comparison with the area of

Bangladesh, forest exists in only 7.7

percent area, while in comparison with

land area, forest exists in 14 percent

area. The number of trees is negligible

in comparison with industrial

components and endless needs for

maintaining environmental

equilibrium. Each of us should come

forward to take part in tree plantation

in a planned manner. Through massive

tree plantation and proper care of

saplings, environmental equilibrium

will be maintained. At the same time, it

will assist in making the country selfreliant

in fruits and forest resources. In

the long run, it will play a favourable

role in bringing economic prosperity of

individuals and families thereby

contributing towards overall

development of the country. For the

sake of the country's economy and

financial comfort in public life, each of

us should plant at least two saplings

every year and take their proper care.

Regarding the project, 'Durbar

Tarunno' founder Muhammad Abu

Mahmudul Hassan, Principal, Daffodil

International School presided over the

program.

Honourable guests handed over the

prefect badges to the selected students

from each grades. Students received

their graduation sashes and captured

photos. Students were awarded crests

and certificates for their various yearly

performances.

The gracious presence of respected

guardians made the day to be a

pleasing memory that would be

deeply etched in the hearts of young

learners.

Abid said that trees are our best

friends. Trees not only enhance natural

beauty, but also resist decay of soil,

prevents flooding and storm thereby

protecting lives and resources. The role

of trees is immense in weather control.

Without trees, the earth would have

been turned into a desert. Trees keep us

alive by supplying oxygen. So, trees are

called the forerunners of life. Presently,

the number of afforestations is on the

rise, but little attention is given towards

care of saplings.We want to raise

awareness in this regard by organising

programmes like 'Amra Mali'. More or

less, all are aware about the necessity of

trees, but proper care of the essential

thing is not taken.

Besides, Rabiul Hasan, Hridoy

Hossain Mollik, Md Quamrul Islam, H

M Alauddin, Md Emdadul Huq Maruf,

H A Mobarak, Hakimul Islam Sakib,

Safayet Morshed, Mobarak Ullah,

including central and Chattogram

district leaders of 'Durbar Tarunno'

were also present at the event.

Durbar Tarunno,' a major social and voluntary organisation of Bangladesh, has organised a programme

with a difference in Chattogram by planting over 100 saplings on Tuesday afternoon. Photo : Courtesy

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU) arranged a

training and interaction programme on implementation of National Integrities Strategy and proper

preparation of income tax returns on Wednesday at Dhaka campus.

Photo : Courtesy

Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital organized discussion meeting on the occasion of

World Hearts Day.

Photo : Courtesy

Commemorative

stamp released

on PM's birthday

DHAKA : The Directorate of Posts yesterday

released a commemorative postage stamp of

Taka 10, a first day cover of Tk 10, a data

card of Tk 5 and a special seal marking the

76th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina.

Posts and Telecommunications Minister

Mustafa Jabbar released those in a

programme at the auditorium of GPO here,

a press release said.

Besides, at the initiatives of the Posts and

Telecommunications Division and Archive

1971', a two-day photo exhibition has been

arranged highlighting the colorful political

life of Sheikh Hasina on the premises of

GPO here.

While inaugurating the photo exhibition,

Jabbar, as a chief guest, outlined the Prime

Minister's illustrious political career and the

astonishing progress of Bangladesh during

her eighteen and a half year rule.

Secretary of the Posts and

Telecommunications Division Md Khalilur

Rahman, Director General of the

Directorate of Posts Md Faizul Azim and

Journalist Pranab Saha were present,

among others, on the occasion.

At the beginning of the programme, a

special prayer was offered seeking sound

health and long life of the premier. The

minister visited the ongoing photo

exhibition.

Bangladesh reports zero Covid-19

death, 665 positive cases

DHAKA : Bangladesh on Wednesday

reported zero Covid-19 death while it

recorded 665 coronavirus positive

cases during the same period.

"Bangladesh reported 14.07

percent Covid-19 positive cases as

4,728 samples were tested during the

last 24 hours," a daily statement of

the Directorate General of Health

Services (DGHS) said.

During the past 24 hours, the

combined figure of coronavirus

infection in Dhaka district and the

capital is 494 while zero Covid-19

death was reported during the

period.

The official tally showed that the

virus killed 29,360 people and

infected 20,23,810 so far, the

statement added.

The recovery count rose to

19,64,147 after another 428 patients

were discharged from the dedicated

hospitals during the last 24 hours.

From the beginning of the

pandemic, 97.05 percent Covid-19

patients recovered among the

infected people while 1.45 percent

died, the DGHS statistics showed.

Among the 29,360 fatalities,

12,918 occurred in Dhaka, 5,896 in

Chattogram, 2,155 in Rajshahi, 3,733

in Khulna, 992 in Barishal, 1,346 in

Sylhet, 1,424 in Rangpur and 896 in

Mymensingh divisions.

Dengue claims

55 lives since

June 21: DGHS

DHAKA : Another dengue patient

died in 24 hours till Wednesday

morning, raising this year's death toll

from the mosquito-borne disease in

Bangladesh to 55.

During this period, 524 more

patients were hospitalised with the

viral fever as cases have continued to

increase, according to the

Directorate General of Health

Services (DGHS).

On June 21, the DGHS reported

the first death of the season from the

viral disease.

The latest death was reported from

Chattogram division raising the

death toll in the division to 24.

The dengue death toll in Dhaka

division remained unchanged at 27

and in Barishal division at four.

Of the new patients, 373 were

admitted to different hospitals in

Dhaka and 151 outside it.

ThUrSdaY, SePTeMBer 29, 2022

4

Acting Editor & Publisher : Jobaer Alam

e-mail: editor@thebangladeshtoday.com

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Boosting

tourism sector

Bangladesh observed the World Tourism Day with

the rest of the world on Wednesday. Many thoughts

come to mind on the occasion such as how the great

prospects of this sector remain largely untapped in

our country.

Tourism is the fastest growing service-industry in

the world today and prospects of it are very bright.

There are some countries that have traditionally

lived off tourism such as Switzerland in Europe.

Other countries in Asia, Latin America and

elsewhere have joined this elite group of countries

over the years known for their tourism proving the

point of the immense potentials of it worldwide.

Tourism can be a money-spinner for a country .

Hundreds of thousands of people can find regular or

seasonal employment from working as tourist

guides, souvenir sellers, attendants, tour operators,

etc . From the need to build hotels, motels, resorts

and other accommodations and infrastructures, the

tourism sector can be a big source of local and

foreign investments for the economy. Earnings in

foreign currencies from spending by foreign tourists

and income generated by the tourism sector are

seen to be a major part of the foreign currency

earnings and gross domestic product (GDP) of

many countries.

When this is the position of tourism round the

world, Bangladesh presents a sorry case of untapped

potentials from tourism. It is really regrettable

because it has many attractions for tourists. There

are some countries with far less or no natural and

other endowments for attracting tourists, which

have been successful in drawing large number of

foreign tourists on a sustainable basis. But

Bangladesh with so many plus points such as

possessing the world's largest unpolluted sea beach,

the world's largest mangrove forest and its wildlife,

its centuries old archaeological and heritage sites,

its many scenic spots and places of natural and

ecological interests, its vibrant culture, etc., is still

not imprinted in the minds of overseas tourists as a

place where they should be going to be truly pleased

with the outcome.

This is a pointer to the failure of governmental

policies and that of the lone official organisation, the

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) which has

maintained a stranglehold over the tourism sector

without providing any notable benefits. BPC has

been a failure in its promotional activities or

enhancing the appeal of Bangladesh in the eyes of

the foreign tourists. It was also constrained by

neglect or a practical vacuum in official policies in

relation to this highly prospective sector. BPC could

not complete its contemplated infrastructure

building with pittances it received from national

budgets for tourism development.

A guideline for the development for tourism was

adopted some sixteen years ago and an interministerial

meeting was held only once during this

entire period to discuss the subject. Thus, the stepmotherly

attitude shown by the government

towards tourism is obvious.

What is required, therefore, is a fresh look at this

sector and addressing its problems and prospects on

a realistic and time-bound basis. A report in this

paper recently focused on a seminar which was held

the day before that suggested a dynamic approach

to the tourism sector with public and private sector

collaboration at the heart of such an approach. The

discussants proposed further whittling down of the

monolithic presence and control of the BPC

(Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation ) over tourism

giving way to private sector's participation in it.

Government should maintain the minimum

regulatory control over private enterprises in the

sector to maintain quality of services. It should also

be responsible for the general security of tourist

spots.

Substantial increases in the development funds for

the tourism sector is also a very pressing necessity.

The funds will have to spent in a well planned,

transparent and accountable manner on facilitation

basing on which private sector operators will come

forward to build tourism related projects of their

own at the existing and prospective sites of interest

for tourists. In many cases, they have held back

investments in these projects because the sites are

too remote or inaccessible and they have been

waiting for ground breaking work by the

government there-first-before their entry.

Government should recognize this sector as one of

great possibilities and should not be stingy in

making its one-time investment for creating basic

helpful conditions for the full-fledged blossoming of

it under private sector initiatives.

BPC has been a failure in its promotional activities

or enhancing the appeal of Bangladesh in the eyes of

the foreign tourists. It was also constrained by

neglect or a practical vacuum in official policies in

relation to this highly prospective sector. BPC could

not complete its contemplated infrastructure

building with pittances it received from national

budgets for tourism development. What is required,

therefore, is a fresh look at this sector and

addressing its problems and prospects on a realistic

and time-bound basis.

Marcos no silver bullet for US-Philippines alliance

After six years of uncertainty under

former Philippine president Rodrigo

Duterte, the election of President

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr has been

met with cautious optimism in

Washington regarding the future of the

US-Philippines alliance.

President Marcos extols the "special

relationship" between the United States

and the Philippines. He characterized

discussions with Washington involving the

Mutual Defense Treaty as a means of

improving bilateral relations to meet new

challenges.

Marcos also expressed his intention to

expand trade and economic relations with

the United States through initiatives

including the Joe Biden administration's

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

But the pro-US rhetoric espoused by the

Marcos administration is not a reliable

indicator of the president's commitment to

the alliance. Marcos may not share

Duterte's animus toward the United States,

but his politics, domestic and foreign,

closely resemble his predecessor's and

bode just as poorly for strengthening the

alliance. Just as Duterte sought to cultivate

strong economic and political ties with

China while seeking a compromise over

the Philippines' territorial claims in the

South China Sea, Marcos is similarly

appealing to Beijing.

Before assuming office, Marcos

described China-Philippines relations in

comparable terms to US-Philippines

relations. He pledged that his

administration would commit to what

Duterte first termed an "independent

foreign policy."

Economic cooperation with China is a

clear priority for Marcos, with the

Philippines' Department of Transportation

set to begin renegotiating US$4.9 billion

worth of loan agreements with China. The

loans are for the construction of railways as

The class war is upon us - and Holly and Phil were the final straw

With the pageantry and spectacle of

the past fortnight set against a

backdrop of impending

destitution, it would be hard to imagine

Britain could descend any further into an

embarrassingly unequal hellscape. Liz

Truss's "mini-budget" on Friday was very

much a "hold my beer" response, as our

new prime minister ended up outclass(war)ing

an event that literally

revolved around a diamond-encrusted

crown.

I say "mini-budget" but according to

Truss it was actually a "fiscal event", which

is a Real Thing and not just something she

made up in an attempt to prevent scrutiny

from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Call me old-fashioned, but when the prime

minister is refusing to call a budget a

budget in order to hide the damage her

policies could cause, the rest of us can be

forgiven for getting a little worried.

Rebrand a shark a labrador, and it'll still

bite your face off.

Listen to the details of this government's

plan to tackle spiralling inflation and you

might say we are going to need a bigger

boat. The chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's big

idea was mass borrowing on the nevernever

and £45bn of tax cuts squarely aimed

at the rich, including abolishing the top rate

of tax, cutting corporation tax and

reversing the national insurance hike. It

means someone earning £1m will get a

£55,000 tax cut - twice what a typical

worker brings home a year. Giving money

to people who already have it may seem a

novel response to a cost of living crisis, but

I'm pretty sure disabled people can just

wait for the wealth to "trickle down" to their

prepay meters this winter.

IN his opening address to the UN

General Assembly, Secretary General

António Guterres issued a stark warning

about the troubled state of the world.

"We are gridlocked in colossal global

dysfunction", as a result of geopolitical

divides, turmoil, deadly conflicts, climate

catastrophes, food crisis, rising inequality

and poverty. This dire situation held great

peril, especially with trust declining in

democratic institutions, respect eroding for

international law and faith diminishing in

international solidarity. Despite "the logic of

cooperation" there was no "collective

problem solving".

The UN chief called for "a coalition of the

world" to redress this alarming situation.

Warning of a "winter of global discontent"

he said a splintering world needed hope and

action. And above all, "common solutions to

common problems".

It was but obvious that Guterres would

mention the Russian invasion of Ukraine

and the devastation caused by the war. But

part of the former Duterte administration's

"Build, Build, Build" infrastructure

program.

While China is an obvious economic

partner for the Philippines, the roots of

Marcos' vision for economic cooperation

with China likely trace back to the years of

Chinese diplomatic outreach and

investment in Ilocos Norte, where Marcos

family members have served as governors

since 1998.

Through investment in the home

province of the Marcos dynasty, China

cultivated personal relationships - with

President Marcos, Senator Imee Marcos

and her son Governor Matthew Manotoc,

among others - that will be useful for

influencing the administration's China

policy.

The political and personal relationships

between China and the Marcos family may

have shaped Ferdinand Marcos Jr's

perspective on the Philippines' territorial

conflict with China in the West Philippine

Sea. During his election campaign, Marcos

dismissed the importance of the 2016

South China Sea Arbitration as a means of

enforcing Philippine sovereignty.

Marcos reversed his stance on May 26

when he described the Philippines'

disputed maritime borders as "a right"

rather than a claim he would defend. Since

that volte-face, both the Department of

National Defense and the Department of

Indeed, no further targeted help was

announced for low-income or disabled

families who will be left to spend almost

half of their disposable income on energy

bills, but you'll be relieved to hear bankers

got help to get even richer. (We've all been

rooting for those guys!) It's entirely a

coincidence, you'll understand, that at the

same time as the government lifted the cap

on banker's bonuses, Truss announced a

plan to get benefit claimants to "seek more

work". To misquote Mastercard, forcing

120,000 people - many of whom are

exhaustingly balancing part-time work

with caring responsibilities - to take on

more hours will have little economic

impact, but finding a scapegoat for the

nation's financial woes is priceless. When

you're putting on your coat indoors this

Christmas as energy bosses rake in record

profits, do remember who the real villains

are: scrounging unpaid carers.

As the pound crashed at one point to a

record low against the dollar, Truss found

time for everyone's top priority: scrapping

the proposed bans on the import of fur and

foie gras. I'm not sure that when "red wall"

voters were promised "post-Brexit

opportunities" they imagined this would

mean easier access to mink coats. Truss

any expectation that his words would calm

the situation was quickly dashed.

A day after his speech, Russian President

Vladimir Putin announced a further

escalation of the seven-month crisis. He

said hundreds of thousands of army

reservists would be deployed in Ukraine in a

partial mobilisation of Russian forces. He

also threatened to use nuclear weapons to

defend Russia. This followed his plan

unveiled earlier to hold 'referendums' in

Ukraine's four regions under Russian

control in a bid to 'formally' integrate them

into Russia. Voting on this has already

begun. These moves came on the heels of a

series of military and diplomatic reversals

for Moscow.

Militarily, a counteroffensive by Westernbacked

Ukrainian forces resulted in seizing

a significant chunk of territory back from

the Russians. Diplomatically, meetings on

the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation

Organisation summit laid bare the limits of

support for Russian actions from even its

lUKe liSChiN

FraNCeS rYaN

Foreign Affairs have pledged to defend the

Philippines' sovereignty in line with the

president's messaging.

Yet the Marcos administration appears

willing to sidestep issues of national

sovereignty in order to strengthen the

Philippines' economic relations with

China. Working-level talks with China on

joint oil and gas developments in the West

Philippine Sea have continued despite

official negotiations terminating in June.

The Marcos administration's foreignpolicy

flexibility is often explained as a

hedging strategy. It seeks to maximize the

amount of trade, assistance and political

Yet the Marcos administration appears willing to sidestep

issues of national sovereignty in order to strengthen the

Philippines' economic relations with China. Working-level talks

with China on joint oil and gas developments in the West

Philippine Sea have continued despite official negotiations

terminating in June.

support the Philippines can receive from

China and the United States without

alienating either power. As long as the

Marcos administration continues to hedge,

it is unlikely that the United States will be

able to persuade the Philippines to advance

geopolitically sensitive projects that are

critical to the alliance. One such project is

extending US access to military bases in

the Philippines under the 2014 Enhanced

Defense Cooperation Agreement. While

the United States competes with China for

diplomatic influence over Philippine

foreign policy, Washington faces a distinct

obstacle in pushing its agenda despite the

pro-US policy preferences of the majority

of Filipino citizens.

Not only did Marcos secure a political

mandate from the public after his landslide

told reporters she is "prepared to be

unpopular" with her policies, and in a way

you have to respect her complete disregard

for optics. As food banks prepare for

unprecedented queues and parents skip

meals to feed their children, even Marie

Antoinette's PR team would have drawn a

line at "let them eat foie gras".

as the pound crashed at one point to a record low against the

dollar, Truss found time for everyone's top priority: scrapping the

proposed bans on the import of fur and foie gras. i'm not sure that

when "red wall" voters were promised "post-Brexit opportunities"

they imagined this would mean easier access to mink coats

The Conservative party protecting the

interests of the wealthy is hardly new

territory, but to do it on this scale as

millions of families are set to fall into

poverty takes a particular commitment to

acting shamelessly. This is a budget that

benefited banks more than babies. Class

war is traditionally a term levelled at the left

- typically when arguing for radical things

such as housing or food - but it is clearer

than ever that it is the Tories who wage it.

Truss claims she deplores focusing on

"wealth distribution" but she herself has

now launched a vast transfer in wealth: it's

just that it's all towards the rich. The

thinktank the Institute for Public Policy

Research calculates that the wealthiest 10%

of the population will receive almost half of

the gains from the budget - including every

cabinet member. Britain is increasingly less

of a real country and more of a large-scale

art installation on the vested interests of the

Peril and paralysis

Maleeha lodhi

closest allies.

In the first in-person meeting between

Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping

after the invasion of Ukraine, the Chinese

leader conveyed his misgivings over

escalation of the crisis. Putin later

acknowledged that "concerns and

questions" were raised by the Chinese

president.

Similarly, during Putin's meeting with

India's prime minister, Narendra Modi is

reported to have voiced concern and convey

that this was "not an era of war".

The Ukraine crisis isn't the only challenge

to international peace and stability. The

world is also being destabilised by the

fallout from the US-China confrontation,

which is a defining feature of the global

landscape today. Unprecedented tensions

between the two global powers have ensued

in most part from America's policy to

contain China which is being met by an

assertive response from Beijing.

At UNGA, President Joe Biden said he

victory in the polls, but his administration

also enjoys supermajorities in the House of

Representatives and the Senate, where the

president's allies and relatives occupy key

posts.

The Marcos administration also actively

manages dissenting public opinion and

political opposition through a massive

disinformation campaign, targeting leftwing

political groups and activists while

using lawfare to censor critical media

outlets.

These conditions first posed major

obstacles for the US-Philippines alliance

under the Duterte administration. They

enabled Duterte to pursue a heavily

personalized foreign-policy agenda that

drew the Philippines closer to China while

extorting the United States to preserve

even the most basic elements of the

alliance.

After positioning himself as the rightful

successor to the previous administration,

Marcos has inherited the Duterte

administration's political machinery. That

will make it difficult for the United States to

influence the Philippines' foreign policy

through executive, legislative and public

diplomatic efforts.

Under these conditions, the United

States may be spared the chronic threats to

alliance institutions that it faced under the

Duterte administration. But without the

diplomatic means to incentivize President

Marcos to reduce the Philippines' foreignpolicy

hedging, expectations for future

discussions concerning the Mutual

Defense Treaty and other alliance

agreements will yield modest and likely

disappointing results for the United States.

Luke Lischin is a PhD student in the

Political Science Department at the

University of Toronto and an independent

consultant on political violence in

Southeast Asia.

ruling class; a Banksy, where chimpanzees

are sitting in the House of Commons would

actually be an improvement on the current

lot.

That these particular chimps gained

power without most of us getting a choice

only adds to the sense of injustice. Truss

has been elevated to Downing Street

effectively by 81,000 retired southerners,

making her mandate about as democratic

as King Charles's. Former Labour

heartlands that turned to Boris Johnson in

2019 for the promise of levelling up did not

vote to give tax breaks to the rich. That's not

democracy - it's a masked raid.

Whether it is her own backbenchers or

the wider electorate, I can't help but think

Truss has wildly misjudged the room. I'm

not suggesting ITV's This Morning will be

the starting gun for the revolution, but

when the public is (still) losing its collective

mind over Holly Willoughby allegedly

jumping a queue, perhaps we have had our

fill of the rigged systems that enable a few

to get ahead while the rest of us line up for

scraps. The emergence of campaigns such

as Enough is Enough and Don't Pay in

response to the cost of living crisis show

there is not only growing anger at how

things are but an appetite for change.

People are afraid they won't be able to

keep their children warm this winter and

the prime minister is making sure bankers

get bigger bonuses. That is not just bad

optics, it is obscene. That's the thing about

class war. Sometimes it looks like a

diamond-encrusted crown. But it can also

be a tax bill and a cold front room.

Frances Ryan is a Guardian columnist

wanted to be "direct about the competition

between the United States and China". He

said, "We do not seek conflict. We do not

seek a Cold War. We do not ask any nation

to choose between the United States or any

other partner." He also reaffirmed his

country's commitment to a 'One China'

policy and promised the US would "conduct

itself as a reasonable leader" in "managing

shifting geopolitical trends".

But this measured tone on China has not

been reflected in recent US actions. They

include the announcement of a billiondollar

arms package for Taiwan and fresh

curbs on US exports of chip technology to

Chinese companies. Both were roundly

denounced by Beijing.

Also, just days before his UNGA address,

Biden reiterated that the US would defend

Taiwan "militarily" if it was attacked. This

too provoked a furious Chinese response.

The writer is a former ambassador to the

US, UK & UN.

ThuRSDay, SePTemBeR 29, 2022

5

Johana Bhuiyan

What do your Facebook

posts, who you follow on

Instagram and who you

interact with the most on

social media say about you? According to the tech startup

Voyager Labs, that information could help police figure out if

you have committed or plan to commit a crime.

Voyager Labs is one of dozens of US companies that have

popped up in recent years with technology that purports to

harness social media to help solve and predict crime.

Pulling information from every part of an individual's

various social media profiles, Voyager helps police

investigate and surveil people by reconstructing their entire

digital lives - public and private. By relying on artificial

intelligence, the company claims, its software can decipher

the meaning and significance of online human behavior, and

can determine whether subjects have already committed a

crime, may commit a crime or adhere to certain ideologies.

But new documents, obtained through public information

requests by the Brennan Center, a non-profit organization,

and shared with the Guardian, show that the assumptions

the software relies on to draw those conclusions may run

afoul of first amendment protections. In one case, Voyager

indicated that it considered using an Instagram name that

showed Arab pride or tweeting about Islam to be signs of a

potential inclination toward extremism.

The documents also reveal Voyager promotes a variety of

ethically questionable strategies to access user information,

including enabling police to use fake personas to gain access

to groups or private social media profiles.

Voyager, a nine-year-old startup registered as Bionic 8

Analytics with offices in Israel, Washington, New York and

elsewhere, is a small fish in a big pond that includes

companies like Palantir and Media Sonar. The Los Angeles

police department trialed Voyager software in 2019, the

Brennan Center documents show, and engaged in a lengthy

back-and-forth with the company about a permanent

contract.

But experts say Voyager's products are emblematic of a

broader ecosystem of tech players answering law

enforcement's calls for advanced tools to expand their

policing capabilities.

For police, the appeal of such tools is clear: use technology

to automatically and quickly see connections that might take

officers much longer to uncover, or to detect unnoticed

behaviors or leads that a human might not pick up on

because of lack of sophistication or capacity. With immense

pressure on departments to keep crime rates low and prevent

attacks, using technology to be able to make fast and efficient

law enforcement decisions is an attractive value proposition.

The software that predict who may commit a crime

michel moore working with a number of companies producing hi-tech policing tools. Photo: Jason armond

New and existing documents show the LAPD alone has company's software was used by a wide range of clients to

worked or considered working with companies such as enable searches through databases but said that Voyager did

PredPol, MediaSonar, Geofeedia, Dataminr, and now not build those databases on its own or supply Voyager

Voyager.

staffers to run its software.

But for the public, social media-informed policing can be a "These are our clients' responsibilities and decisions, in

privacy nightmare that effectively criminalizes casual and at which Voyager has no involvement at all," Rosenne said in an

times protected behavior, experts who have reviewed the email. "As a company, we follow the laws of all the countries

documents for the Guardian say.

in which we do business. We also have confidence that those

As the Guardian previously reported, police departments with whom we do business are law-abiding public and

are often unwilling to relinquish the use of those tools even in private organizations."

the face of public outcry and in spite of little proof it helps to "Voyager is a software company," Rosenne said in answer

reduce crime.

to questions about how the technology works. "Our products

Experts also point out that companies like Voyager often are search and analytics engines that employ artificial

use buzzwords such as "artificial intelligence" and intelligence and machine learning with explainability."

"algorithms" to explain how they analyze and process Voyager did not respond to the detailed questions about who

information but provide little evidence that it works. it has contracts with or how its software draws conclusions

A Voyager spokesperson, Lital Carter Rosenne, said the on a person's support for specific ideologies.

LAPD declined to respond

to a request for comment.

The way Voyager and

companies like it work is not

complicated, the documents

show. Voyager software

hoovers up all the public information available on a person or

topic - including posts, connections and even emojis -

analyzes and indexes it and then, in some cases, crossreferences

it with non-public information.

Internal documents show the technology creates a

topography of a person's entire social media existence,

specifically looking at users' posts as well as their

connections, and how strong each of those relationships are.

The software visualizes how a person's direct connections

are connected to each other, where all of those connections

work, and any "indirect connections" (people with at least

four mutual friends). Voyager also detects any indirect

connections between a subject and other people the

customer has previously searched for.

Voyager's data collection is far reaching. If a person tracked

by Voyager software deletes a friend or a post from their own

profile, it remains archived in their Voyager profile. The

system catalogues not only a subject's contacts, but also any

content or media those contacts posted, including status

updates, pictures and geotags. And it draws in second- and

third-degree friendships to "unearth previously unknown

middlemen or instances of improper association".

Meredith Broussard, a New York University data

journalism professor and author of Artificial Unintelligence:

How Computers Misunderstand the World, said it appeared

Voyager's algorithms were making assessments about people

based on their online activity and networks, using a process

that resembled online ad targeting.

Ad targeting systems place people in "affinity groups",

determining who is most likely to be interested in buying a

new car, for example, based on their friends and connections,

Broussard explained: "So instead of grouping people into

buckets like 'pet owners', what Voyager seems to be doing is

putting people into 'buckets' of likely criminals."

In the advertising context, many consumers have come to

accept this kind of targeting, she said, but the stakes are

much higher when it comes to policing. "It's a 'guilt by

association' system," she said, adding that this kind of

algorithm was not particularly sophisticated.

Voyager software applies a similar process to Facebook

groups, pages and events - both public and closed -

cataloging recently published content and mapping out the

most active users. Documents show the company also allows

users to search for posts about specific topics, pulling up all

mentions of that term, as well as the location tagged in those

posts.

Why young women on social media

are developing Tourette's-like tics

SiRin KaLe

Michelle Wacek was a TikTok fan years

ago, back when the video-sharing app

was called Musical.ly. "I went on it for a

laugh," she says. "And then I got sucked

into the vortex." She took part in lipsyncing

challenges, and followed the

influencer Evie Meg, who raises

awareness about Tourette syndrome

among her 14 million followers.

In April 2020, Wacek was messing

around in the kitchen when her husband

accidentally clipped her in the face. The

then 25-year-old chef had a panic attack.

"It triggered a PTSD response from a

previous abusive relationship I was in,"

she says.

Over the next few weeks, Wacek

noticed that she was having tics. "They

were just little noises," she says. "Nothing

to write home about." She would scrunch

up her nose, or huff. The tics escalated

from sounds into words and phrases.

Then the motor tics kicked in. "I started

punching walls and throwing myself at

things," she says. By July, Wacek was

having seizures. She had to stop work.

"Being a chef with seizures is not safe at

all," she says. Her GP referred her to a

neurologist, who diagnosed her with

functional neurological syndrome (FND).

People with FND have a neurological

condition that cannot be medically

explained, but can be extremely

debilitating. "In a general neurological

clinic, around 30% of the conditions we

see are not fully explainable," says Dr

Jeremy Stern, a neurologist with the

charity Tourettes Action. In Wacek's case,

FND manifested in verbal and motor tics,

not dissimilar from how Tourette

syndrome appears to lay people, although

the two conditions are distinct.

Wacek has up to 20 seizures a day and

currently has to use a wheelchair. Like

Meg, she is now a TikTok influencer,

using her platform to raise awareness of

FND. "Knowing that I am going through

the same crap as other people out there

makes me feel better," Wacek says.

"Without all these platforms, I would be

quite isolated."

This month, Wacek's Facebook groups

and online communities lit up. The

source: a Wall Street Journal report

about the rise in young women

developing sudden-onset tics that doctors

thought could be linked to TikTok. The

article prompted a swift backlash from

many in the Tourette's and FND

community. "I read the article and

thought it was a load of crap," says

Wacek. "TikTok is not giving people

Tourette's." The fact that she followed

Meg before developing tics herself, says

Wacek, is a "coincidence".

But there is a rise in young women

presenting with unexplained tics that

come on suddenly, far later in life than

Doctors have been surprised to see young adults developing tics

and seizures that usually start in childhood. Photo: Collected

the usual presentation for Tourette

syndrome. Some of these young people

are social media users, some are not.

What on earth is going on?

The neurological journal Brain isn't

typically the locus of international

controversy. But times are changing.

"Journals are more open-access than ever

before," says Dr Seonaid Anderson, a

research psychologist and neurodiversity

consultant who specialises in Tourette

syndrome. "People with neurodiverse

conditions can access what is being

written about them far more freely.

Webinars often feature patients in the

audience."

In August, Brain published a paper

with the incendiary headline: "Stop that!

It's not Tourette's but a new type of mass

sociogenic illness". In it, clinicians from

Hannover Medical School in Germany

speculated that a mass sociogenic illness

(MSI) that resembled Tourette's but was

not Tourette's, was spreading among

German teenagers. A sociogenic illness,

explains researcher Dr Kirsten Müller-

Vahl, "is when people who are in close

contact develop similar symptoms, but

without any underlying cause".

A mass MSI outbreak was seen in the

UK at a Lancashire school in 2015, where

40 pupils received medical treatment for

dizziness thought to be brought on by

anxiety after a handful of children fainted

during an Armistice Day service in a

warm assembly hall. MSI is currently in

the news as a possible cause for the

mysterious Havana syndrome, which is

affecting diplomats at US bases across the

world. But experts did not believe MSI

could be spread via social media - until

the Hannover team's research.

MSI ripples outwards from a "patient

zero", infecting the people around that

person in waves of anxiety-induced

illness. "People now use social media so

intensively that it more or less replaces

our normal context," says Müller-Vahl.

"You can be in close contact with

someone via social media, it can be very

emotional, and you can identify with that

influencer. We believe that spread can

happen solely via social media." In this

case, Müller-Vahl identifies this patient

zero as a German YouTuber, Jan

Zimmerman, who has Tourette

syndrome and runs a channel with 2.2

million subscribers.

In 2019, Müller-Vahl says, teenagers

began to present at her clinic with

functional Tourette's-like symptoms, a

subset of FND. Typically, Tourette's starts

during childhood, with six the average

age of onset. But the mean onset age of

Müller-Vahl's patients was 19. Their

symptoms also escalated more quickly

than typical Tourette's. In all, since 2019

Müller-Vahl has seen nearly 50 young

people; all of them confirmed that they

watched Zimmerman's channel. She

believes FND was spread via social media

contagion, in much the same way that a

fainting fit ripples through a packed

school hall.

Müller-Vahl is not accusing young

people of faking illness. "I know no expert

who feels this is malingering," she says.

But the title of her paper - Stop That! -

was interpreted that way. "People

criticised our title because it was a bit

provocative," says Müller-Vahl, sounding

exasperated. "But we are not saying to the

patients: 'Stop that.' It's addressed to

medical doctors. Stop diagnosing this as

Tourette's, when it's FND."

Be that as it may, says Anderson, "It's

easy for the public to think people are

saying that you should stop your tics. We

want people to get away from that view,

which is linked to the dark days of

previous years."

The phenomenon Müller-Vahl's team

observed - young people with suddenonset

tics, thought to be FND and

possibly linked to social media exposure -

has been observed by clinicians globally.

With the exception of Müller-Vahl's own

study, most of those with the symptoms

are female. "We've seen groups of teenage

girls from the same school who develop

almost identical tics," says Dr Tammy

Hedderly, a paediatric neurologist at

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS trust. Stern

has likewise heard of outbreaks in UK

schools.

ChaRLeS BRameSCo

It was not so long ago,

children, that a person

desiring to watch a movie at

their leisure had no choice but

to purchase a round, shiny

object called a Digital Video

Disc. The early days of DVD

continued and widened a

debate begun during the VHS

era, in that many titles were

released in both "widescreen"

and "fullscreen" formats from

which a discerning customer

could make their own choice.

The widescreen presentation

would fit the theatrical

projection to the average

consumer TV, "letterboxing"

the frame with black bars

called mattes above and below

to squeeze a long rectangle

into a shorter one. As

promised by the name,

fullscreen versions instead

filled the entirety of the TV by

cutting off space on the left

and right of a shot. This was

the demonstrably inferior

option - you're missing parts

of the movie, sometimes

elements integral to the text -

but customers kept buying.

For them, the feeling of seeing

more overruled the fact that

they were in actuality seeing

less.

Fast-forward to today, and

the cinematic medium now

faces an odd inverse of this

schism in visuals. The notion

that every inch of our massive

televisions should be put to

active use has compelled

Disney to re-release 13 of their

Marvel Studios films in "Imax

Expanded Aspect Ratio",

ostensibly bringing the

immensity of the multiplex

into the living room. In

practice, this special feature of

What it's like to watch an

Imax movie at home

the Disney Plus streaming app

unmasks the image, restoring

space on the top and bottom

that had previously been

cropped out for ordinary

theaters. The taller Imax

screens allow for a width-toheight

ratio of 1.90:1, as

opposed to your given movie

house's anamorphic standard

of 2.35:1, without the

sacrifices in visibility of a

fullscreen DVD. Disney wants

to extend this experience to

the home, where the usual

high-def TV has a ratio of 16:9

(or more relevantly for

comparison here, 1.77:1). As

the press release on Marvel's

own web site puts it, this ondemand

Imax "offers up to

26% more picture for select

sequences - meaning more of

the action is visible on screen,

just as the film-makers

intended".

Whether this represents the

realization of the film-makers'

intentions is between them

and their god, but it's true that

in terms of simple volume,

we're afforded greater

coverage of the hectic battle

scenes that have become this

studio's trademark. For a

scene like the climactic

Götterdämmerung that closes

out Avengers: Endgame,

wherein every speck of the

frame has been crammed with

computer-generated visual

information, the Imax ratio

has a practical utility. In the

Simu Liu in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

extreme wide shots of the

fracas, the expanded canvas

affords a view of additional

flying ships, Iron Man's

robotic minions, and Thanos's

enemy combatants as they

clash everywhere at once. For

those Marvel obsessives set on

digesting every crumb of

content, this boils down to a

basic question of volume, this

new functionality allowing for

another step toward total

completism by showing

what's been previously

unseen.

But for those viewers who

wish only to enjoy a film in its

most logical and natural form,

there's a distracting toll to be

paid. When the Imax versions

aren't revealing the full scale

of scenes jam-packed with

commotion, they're

destroying the composition of

passages that would otherwise

be normal, unremarkable film

craft. Consider a moment

early on in Shang-Chi and the

Legend of the Ten Rings,

when the martial arts master

Xu Wenwu first meets the

forest guardian Ying Li; when

they exchange dialogue before

scuffling, what should be a bythe-book

shot/reverse shot

set-up is turned sparse and

strange by the thick stripes of

negative space in the Imaxenabled

zone. A few inches of

emptiness hang over

Wenwu's head, moving him

from the frame's center to an

awkward lowered position, as

if his photograph has been

taken by someone not that

fluent with point-and-shoot

camera use.

This counterintuitive

maximalism comes from the

same paradigm of blockbuster

muchness that has compelled

many MCU entries' run times

to strafe the three-hour mark.

We've been made to believe

more is more, despite control

and restraint having always

been keys to film-making

brilliance. Just as the

sprawling lengths of these

films come at the price of

brisk, satisfying pacing, so too

does the anti-grandeur of this

pseudo-Imax distort the very

art it attempts to take to the

next level. There's a reason

this format has been restricted

to brick-and-mortar cinemas

up until now, and not just

because it plays better when

looked up at from an

auditorium seat rather than

down on from a couch. The

thrill of this moviegoing mode

depends on its huge

proportions, a dwarfing

sensation completely lost

when transposed to the TV.

The streaming giants would

love nothing more to prove

that there's no difference

between exhibition in public

and the home, but this latest

innovation succeeds only in

proving the opposite.

Photo: Jasin Boland

tHURSDAy, SePteMBeR 29 , 2022

6

A special health care camp on dental diseases has been organized in Bochaganj by Good neighbors

Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Photo: Suman Chandra

Dua and Milad Mahfil were held on September 28 on the occasion of the 76th birth anniversary

of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the symbol of development and progress, the daughter of

Bangabandhu. the event was organized by the popular and legendary mayor of Phulpur

Municipality, Shashodhar Sen. At that time, the municipal secretary councilor Brind and

employees were present. At the end of the Milad Mahfil ceremony, tabarak was distributed and

special prayers were offered.

Photo: Mohammad Sakander

RAB arrests

alleged cheat

in Rangpur

RANGPUR: Rapid Action

Battalion (RAB) arrested a

presumed cheat on charges of

cheating common people by

promising jobs from

Keranipara area in Rangpur

city on 27 September, reports

BSS.

"On the basis of an

allegation lodged by a cheated

man, an operational team of

the Crime Prevention

Specialised Company (CPSC)

of RAB-13 arrested the

fraudster from a house at

Keranipara area of the city,"

said a press release issued

here yesterday.

The detainee was identified

as Md. Asaduzzaman alias

Rajon, 38, son of late Abu

Bakar of village Taluk Kandi

in Pirgachha upazila of

Rangpur district.

During preliminary

interrogation, the arrested

man admitted that he had

been cheating people

promising jobs by realizing

huge money from them for a

long time.

"With assistance of the elite

force, the victim filed a case

against the arrested person

with Pirgachha police station

in this connection," the

release said, adding that

efforts were on to nab his

other absconding cohorts.

BCG arrest 10 dacoits in Bhola

10 active dacoits of Siddique force was

arrested with indigenous weapons in Coast

Guard operation in Meghna River in Bhola.

On Wednesday at noon, Coast Guard

Headquarters media officer Lt. Commander

Khandaker Munif Taqi gave this

information.

He said, based on secret information, a

special operation was conducted in Charpial

area of Meghna river under Charfession

police station of Bhola district by BCG

outpost Charmanika under Bangladesh

Coast Guard South Zone at approximately

1800 hours on Tuesday. In the operation, 10

robbers including Siddique, the head of the

Siddique gang, were arrested in the area

with domestic weapons.

Meanwhile, a speeding wooden boat used

for robbery called 'FB Shibsha' was seized.

During the operation, the arrested bandits

threw several of their firearms into the water

after sensing the presence of the Coast

Guard. Siddique, the head of the dacoit

gang, has been involved in drug dealing for a

long time and Pirojpur Naserabad police

station already has a case against him under

the Narcotics Act.

The arrested bandit members are Md

Siddiqur Rahman Moral (55), Abul Hossain

(45), Md A Mannan (42), Abul Hossain

Sardar (50), Golam Bari Gazi (44), Md Sabuj

Hossain (30). ), Md. Keramat Karikar (55),

Md. Nurul Islam (Khokan), Md. A. Malek

(50) and Md. Ayub Ali Molla (64) are all

residents of Satkhira and Khulna districts.

He further said that later the seized

domestic weapons and other goods and the

clothes of the arrested robbers were handed

over to the Charfession South Aicha police

station.

10 active dacoits of Siddique force was arrested with indigenous weapons in

Coast Guard operation in Meghna River in Bhola on Wednesday. Photo: Courtesy

Thrust on creating mass awareness

to prevent hydrophobia

RAJSHAHI: Veterinary and animal

health experts here yesterday

unequivocally called for creating

awareness among the public in general

on rabies infection to prevent the

occurrence of hydrophobia, reports

BSS.

They also stressed the need to make

the dog vaccination campaign a total

success to control rabies infection in the

society.

Lack of awareness, coordination and

requisite information and limitation of

logistics have been identified as major

challenges towards preventing the

diseases. So, there is no alternative to

face the existing challenges

cooperatively, they unanimously

viewed. The Department of Livestock

Services (DLS) organised the discussion

titled "Means to Prevent Hydrophobia"

held at its conference hall, marking the

World Rabies Day- 2022 that was

observed in the city as elsewhere in the

country yesterday.

DLS Divisional Director Dr Nazrul

Islam addressed the discussion as chief

guest, while District Livestock Officer

De Zulfiker Akhter Hossain was in the

chair. Deputy Director of Rajabari Dairy

and Milk Production Farm Sr Atikur

Rahman and District Veterinary Officer

Dr Harunur Rashid also spoke,

disseminating their expertise on the

issue.

DLS Divisional Deputy Director of

Veterinary Public Health Dr Abdul

Mazid gave an illustration on the issue

saying vaccination can reduce

reproduction of dogs to a great extent

and break the cycle of rabies

transmission.

Dr Nazrul Islam said the government

has a massive intervention to eliminate

the rabies. Various activities like

advocacy, communication and social

mobilisation, management of dog bite,

mass dog vaccination and dog

population management are being

accomplished from top to bottom, he

said.

Dog bite management centres are

functioning throughout the country in

addition to distribution of vaccines,

training of physicians and nurses has

been accelerated, he added.

Earlier, the livestock officials and staff

brought out a colourful procession from

its office premises and paraded some

city streets. A number of representatives

from different government and nongovernment

organisations joined the

rally.

GNB organizes

health care

camp on Dental

disease

SUMAn CHAnDRA, BoCHA-

GAnj CoRReSPonDent:

A special health care camp

on dental diseases has been

organized in Bochaganj,

Dinajpur. On Wednesday, a

special health care camp on

dental diseases was

organized in the meeting

room of Good Neighbors

Bangladesh (GNB)

Bochaganj CDP. Dr. Sirajum

Monira, Oral and Dental

Surgeon, Consultant of

Khalas Uddin Chowdhury

Health Service Center gave

medical care and advice to

20 patients in this camp

under the supervision of

Facilitator (Health) Shilpi

Rani Dev of Bochaganj CDP.

Bochaganj CDP Project

Manager Bipul Rema,

Assistant Project Manager

(Program) Jony Bairagi,

Medical Officer Dr. Zobaitun

Nahar Ayrin were present.

Preparations

completed for

smooth Puja

celebration in

Khulna

KHULNA: All preparations

have been completed to

celebrate Durga Puja

peacefully in the industrial

city as one of the largest

religious festivals of the

Bangalee Hindu community

is scheduled to begin on

October 1, reports BSS.

Artisans, locally known as

pauls, are working round the

clock in giving last touch to

the idols of the goddess

Durga.

General Secretary of the

City Unit Puja Udjapon

Parisad Prashanta Kumar

Kundu told BSS that a total

of 130 mandaps has been set

up in the metropolitan city

while 900 mandaps were

erected in all nine upazilas of

the district to celebrate

Durga Puja.

Around 450 idol-makers

are engaged in making idols

in the region, he said.

Hindu community

members and people from

all walks of life were already

seen crowding around the

temples and Puja mandaps

to see their last preparation.

Talking to BSS, Ram

Prasad, an idol maker of

Dharmasava Puja mandap

in the city said this year, the

Pauls (idol-makers) will

earn more money than last

year.

"We have received Tk

around 6,500 to Tk 7,500

last year for each idol but we

are taking around Tk 8,000

to Tk 9000 this year," he

said.

He said the cost of raw

materials including earth,

rope, straw, bamboo and

jute needed for idol making

have increased.

IDUAI celebrated in Pabna

ABDUl HAMID KHAn, PABnA CoRReSPonDent:

International Day for Universal Access to

Information (IDUAI) has been observed in

Pabna with due dignity. On this occasion,

yesterday in the morning, a colorful

procession started from Pabna District

Administration Square and ended at the

same place after circling the main main road

of the city. A discussion was held in the

conference room of the District

Commissioner under the chairmanship of

Acting District Commissioner Afroza Akhtar.

Chief Nirbahi Officer of Pabna District

Council Kazi Atiyur Rahman, veteran

journalist Habibur Rahman Swapan,

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) Pabna

District Branch General Editor Journalist-

Columnist Abdulhamid Khan, Journalist

Fazlur Rahman, Journalist SA Asad,

Collectorate School and College Students

Zubair Ahmed and others spoke on various

aspects of the day.

Pabna Zilla Parishad Chief Nirbahi Officer

Kazi Atiyur Rahman said that the Right to

Information Law, designed to empower the

people, is serving as a bridge between the

people and the government.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Afroza

Akhtar in the speech of the President said

that the Information Commission is working

tirelessly to get the correct information of the

people including encouraging all the

authorities to disseminate and publish the

self-provided information to ensure the

information rights of the citizens.

International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) has been

observed in Pabna on Wednesday.

Photo: Abdul Hamid Khan

Dighinala upazila administration

celebrates IDUAI

Md Sohanur Rahaman, Dighinala

Correspondent: International Day for

Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)

was celebrated in Dighinala Upazila of

Khagrachari. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)

Muhammad Arafatul Alam presided over

the discussion meeting organized at the

upazila seminar room on the occasion of

International Day for Universal Access to

Information celebration of upazila

administration on Wednesday.

Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer

Naim Hossain, Upazila Family Planning

Officer Neetu Dewan, Dighinala Union

Parishad Chairman Pragyan Jyoti Chakma,

Upazila URC Mohammad Mainuddin

among others spoke in the discussion

meeting. Among others, upazila freedom

fighter former deputy commander

Mohammad Salim, Bazar Chowdhury

Jasmine Chowdhury, Upazila Project

Implementation Officer (PIO) Abdus Salam

and others were present.

The speakers in the discussion meeting

said, 'People cannot be harassed without

giving information. By giving correct

information to the public, the public as

well as the officials will benefit from it.

Providing correct information is the

professional responsibility of the officers

and employees of all departments. This

cannot be neglected.

BU holds discussion meeting for PM's birthday

A discussion meeting was

held at Barisal University on

the birthday of Prime Minister

of the People's Republic of

Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina,

says a press release. On the

occasion of Prime Minister

Sheikh Hasina's 76th

birthday, the discussion

meeting was organized by

Sheikh Hasina Hall of Barisal

University on 28 September

2022 at 4 pm. The chief guest

at the meeting was Barisal

University Vice-Chancellor

Professor Dr. Md. Sadekul

Arefin. In the speech of the

chief guest, the Vice

Chancellor said that

Bangabandhu was a role

model of international

leadership and Sheikh Hasina

was a role model of

development leadership. Her

timely leadership is being

praised across the country in

twenty courts. He is the

beacon of our development

International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) was celebrated

in Dighinala Upazila of Khagrachari.

Photo: Md Sohanur Rahaman

and the beacon of hope for the

Bengali nation. The special

guest at the meeting was

Treasurer Professor Dr.

Mohammad Badruzzaman

Bhuiyan. Dean of Arts and

Humanities Faculty of the

University Md. Mohsin

Uddin, Resident students of

Sheikh Hasina Hall are

Mohsina Tamanna of

Sociology Department and

Muntahina Muna of Public

Administration Department

also spoke on the occasion

under the chairmanship of

Provost of Sheikh Hasina Hall

Dr. Rehana Parveen. The

general secretary of teachers

association, provost, proctor,

teaching staff, and heads of

departments, resident

teachers of Sheikh Hasina

Hall, assistant resident

teachers, students, officers

and employees were present

on the occasion. Tumpa Saha,

assistant resident teacher of

Sheikh Hasina Hall

conducted the program.

A discussion meeting was held at Barisal University on the occasion birth anniversary of

Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina. Photo: Courtesy

THursday, sePTember 29, 2022

7

Hurricane Ian knocked out power across all of Cuba and devastated some of the country's most

important tobacco farms when it slammed into the island's western tip as a major hurricane

Tuesday.

Photo : Internet

Cuba without electricity after

hurricane hammers power grid

HAVANA : Hurricane Ian knocked

out power across all of Cuba and

devastated some of the country's

most important tobacco farms when

it slammed into the island's western

tip as a major hurricane Tuesday.

Cuba's Electric Union said in a

statement that work was underway

to gradually restore service to the

country's 11 million people during

the night. Power was initially

knocked out to about 1 million

people in Cuba's western provinces,

but later the entire grid collapsed.

Ian hit a Cuba that has been

struggling with an economic crisis

and has faced frequent power

outages in recent months. It made

landfall as a Category 3 storm on the

island's western end, devastating

Pinar del Rio province, where much

of the tobacco used for Cuba's iconic

cigars is grown.

Tens of thousands of people were

evacuated and others fled the area

ahead of the arrival of Ian, which

caused flooding, damaged houses

and toppled trees. Authorities were

still assessing the damage, although

no fatalities had been reported by

Tuesday night.

Ian's winds damaged one of Cuba's

most important tobacco farms in La

Robaina.

"It was apocalyptic, a real disaster,"

said Hirochi Robaina, owner of the

farm that bears his name and that his

grandfather made known

internationally.

Robaina, also the owner of the

Finca Robaina cigar producer,

posted photos on social media of

wood-and-thatch roofs smashed to

the ground, greenhouses in rubble

and wagons overturned.

State media said Cuban President

Miguel Diaz-Canel visited the

affected region.

Cuba's Meteorology Institute said

the city of Pinar del Rio was in worst

of the hurricane for an hour and a

half.

"Being in the hurricane was

terrible for me, but we are here

alive," said Pinar del Rio resident

Yusimi Palacios, who asked

authorities for a roof and a mattress.

Officials had set up 55 shelters and

took steps to protect crops, especially

tobacco.

The U.S. National Hurricane

Center said Cuba suffered

"significant wind and storm surge

impacts" when the hurricane struck

with top sustained winds of 125 mph

(205 kph).

Ian was expected to get even

stronger over the warm Gulf of

Mexico, reaching top winds of 130

mph (209 kph) approaching the

southwestern coast of Florida, where

2.5 million people were ordered to

evacuate.

As the storm's center moved into

the Gulf, scenes of destruction

emerged in Cuba. Authorities were

still assessing the damage in its

world-famous tobacco belt.

Local government station

TelePinar reported heavy damage at

the main hospital in Pinar del Rio

city, tweeting photos of collapsed

ceilings and downed trees. No deaths

were reported.

Videos on social media showed

downed power lines and cut off

roads in the provinces of Pinar del

Rio, Artemisa and Mayabeque. A

hospital in Pinar del Rio was

damaged.

GD-1583/22 (8x4)

GD-1579/22 (18x4)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

8

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited inaugurated its 386th Branch at Shibchar in Madaripur on

Wednesday. Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury, Chief Whip of Bangladesh Parliament inaugurated the Branch

as the chief guest. Presided over by Mohammed Monirul Moula, Managing Director & CEO, Monir

Chowdhury Chairman of Madaripur Zilla parishad, Md. Altaf Hossain, Deputy Managing Director,

Miftah Uddin, Senior Executive Vice President, Md. Abdus Sobhan, Executive Vice President were

present as the special guest. Md Maksudur Rahman, Senior Executive Vice President of the bank

addressed the welcome speech and Md. Saiful Islam, Head of Shibchar branch thanked the audience.

Md. Lokman Hakim, President of Shibchar Banik Samity addressed the program among the elites and

well wishers. A.M Shahidul Amran, Senior Assistant Vice President, Executives & employees of the

bank, clients, well wishers and local elites were present on the occasion.

Photo : Courtesy

Mercantile Bank Limited recently signed an participatory agreement with

Bangladesh Bank to enhance the production of wheat and maize under the

refinance scheme of Tk 10.00 billion at the conference hall of the central

bank. In presence of Deputy Governor A K M Sajedur Rahman Khan, Md.

Abul Kalam Azad, Director of Agricultural Credit Department of

Bangladesh Bank and Hasne Alam, DMD & CBO of Mercantile Bank

exchanged the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Md.

Hasan Chisty, Joint Director & Marjia Aktar, Deputy Director of

Agricultural Credit Department of Bangladesh Bank and Mohammad

Shafruzzaman Khan, Head of Agriculture Credit Division of Mercantile

Bank along with senior officials from both the organizations were also

present.

Photo : Courtesy

Recently ONE Bank Limited signed an MOU with CCULB Resort &

Convention Hall for customer privilege. Sheikh Md. Rahmat Ali, CEO of

CCULB Resort & Convention Hall and Md. Kamruzzaman, Head of Retail

Banking of ONE Bank Limited, signed the MOU on behalf of their respective

organizations. Under this MOU, OBL all Debit, Credit & Prepaid Card

holders will enjoy up to 50% discount on room rack rate & Banquet Hall

and 10% discount on A-la-Carte Food menu. High officials of both the

organizations were also present in this occasion. Photo : Courtesy

Europe's cars get a second life

in Africa, but at a cost

COTONOU : His Toyota Matrix has driven the

equivalent of four times around the world and

it would never pass an inspection in Europe,

reports UNB.

But for its delighted new owner, Adam

Adebiyi, the ageing hatchback with more than

170,000 kilometres (105,000 miles) on the

clock may just as well have rolled off the factory

floor.

Like millions of other Africans, the Beninese

computer scientist has turned to the secondhand

market to buy a quality car that would

normally be well beyond his budget.

Africa is the world's biggest destination for

used vehicles. More than a quarter of secondhand

autos exported between 2015 and 2020,

or 5.6 million vehicles, ended up on the

continent, according to the UN.

These vehicles come mainly from Europe

and Japan, and increasingly from South Korea

or the United States, but are often very old or

high-pollution models.

Adebiyi's Matrix Toyota went into circulation

in 2004 in Canada, before it was shipped by sea

15 years later to Benin, where it was purchased

by a first owner, who then sold it to him.

Not far from the port of Cotonou, the

economic capital of Benin, sales lots packed

with second-hand vehicles, mainly from

Europe, stretch for kilometres.

Benin is one of the five largest importers of

used vehicles in Africa, according to a UN

report published at the end of 2021.

The West African country has only 11 million

inhabitants, but it is the gateway to the markets

of Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and especially its

giant neighbour Nigeria, the most populous

country in Africa. In one of these huge car lots

near the border with Nigeria, Zakari Cisse

recently sat with his hand on the steering wheel

of his just purchased car, a model put into

circulation in Belgium in 2002.

He would have liked to buy a new one from a

dealership. But lacking resources, he fell back

on this 20-year-old second-hand vehicle, which

is "clean and well maintained".

"The engine responds very well and you can

tell by the noise," he said.

"We don't import rubbish," said Ossama

Allouch, an importer of used vehicles in

Cotonou, who says vehicles are subject to

controls before purchase. "They are not just

any vehicles that are banned from use."

In Benin, a 15-year-old imported saloon, also

called a sedan, typically changes hands for

around 1.5 million CFA francs ($2,300).

That's quite a bargain in a country where a

brand-new model will cost a dozen times as

much, and the average salary is little more than

$100 per month.

German consumer

mood slumps further

as inflation bites

BERLIN : German

consumer confidence

remains on a record

downward slide as Europe's

largest economy faces

soaring inflation and an

energy crisis heading into

winter, a key survey

published Wednesday

showed.

Pollster GfK's forwardlooking

barometer fell to

minus 42.5 points for

October, hitting a record low

for the fourth month in a

row, following a revised

September reading of minus

36.8 points.

"The currently very high

inflation rates of almost

eight percent are leading to

large real income losses

among consumers and thus

to a significant reduction in

purchasing power," said GfK

consumer expert Rolf

Buerkl.

"Many households are

currently being forced to

spend significantly more on

energy," he added.

The leaders of Germany's

16 states will meet on

Wednesday to discuss

additional relief measures to

help tackle the energy crisisbut

without Chancellor Olaf

Scholz, who tested positive

for Covid-19 earlier this

week.

Inflation in Germany

reached 7.9 percent in

August, driven by soaring

energy costs, with the pace

expected to increase further

by the end of the year.

"Consumer morale will

only recover noticeably and

sustainably if inflation is

reduced," GfK said.

The dismal prediction for

October was driven by a

record low in income

expectations for September.

Germany is expected to go

into recession next year,

according to the OECD, with

Europe's biggest economy

shrinking by 0.7 percent.

Germany has seen a

drastic reduction in supplies

of Russian gas since the

invasion of Ukraine, causing

an explosion in prices for the

fuel.

Last three

Turkish banks

to drop Russia's

Mir bank cards

ISTANBUL : The last three

Turkish banks still

processing Russian Mir

bank cards are pulling out

of the arrangement under

pressure from the United

States, a senior Turkish

official told AFP on

Wednesday.

"They are still processing

(the outstanding)

payments, but they have

set a future date" for

pulling out, the official said

on condition of anonymity

because no formal decision

by the three state lenders

has been announced.

imo's new "Family Guard" feature

to ensure safe digital connectivity

Enabling users to enjoy

digital connectivity in a safe

manner, instant audio/video

call and messaging app imo

has recently rolled out a

unique feature, "Family

Guard," to strengthen the

security and privacy

protection system. The

feature allows imo users to

protect their close ones from

security risks as well as be

protected by their close ones

from threats. Once the

guarded imo account

encounters unusual

activities, the guardian user

will receive safety alerts. This

way, the guardian can help

protect the account owner

from unexpected attempts.

Unsufficient awareness of

cybersecurity is prevalent

among lots of people in

Bangladesh, especially

among the elderly. Adding to

that, not everyone is good at

using technology and digital

devices. This is where imo

comes in with the "Family

Guard" feature to assist

everyone. When the guarded

account encounters unusual

activities such as log-in

attempts, changed phone

numbers, or deleted

accounts from an unfamiliar

device and/or from an

unfamiliar location, the

guardian will receive safety

alerts to help deal with these

potential risks on time. Once

the guardian receives a

security alert, they can click

"Remind Friend" to send an

instant message on imo or

contact the owner privately

to make sure the account is

secured. Using this feature,

imo users can easily and

conveniently protect their

loved ones from cyberattacks

and online scams.

It is also mentionable that

imo is the first instant

communication platform to

launch this kind of security

feature in Bangladesh,

indicating that imo puts

security in the highest

regard.

Moreover, taking users'

safety requirements to the

next level, soon imo will

launch another feature,

Bangladesh Krishi Bank signed an agreement with Bangladesh Bank to disburse

loan of Tk 1,000 (one thousand) crore under the refinancing scheme

aimed at increasing the production of wheat and maize at the conference

room of Bangladesh Bank recently.Managing Director of Bangladesh

Krishi Bank Md. Ismail Hossain and Director of Bangladesh Bank

(Agricultural Credit Department) Md. Abul Kalam Azad signed the agreement

on behalf of their institutions. The Deputy Governor of Bangladesh

Bank A.K.M Sajedur Rahman Khan & the Executive Director Md. Awlad

Hossain Chowdhury were also present on the occasion. Photo : Courtesy

"Disappearing Message," to

allow users to automatically

delete private messages with

others on the platform after a

specific duration which they

can set in advance. This

feature applies to specific

chats, as well as new chats

with all new friends or all

friends. Imo launched this

feature to provide

comprehensive privacy

protection to users so that

private messages cannot be

leveraged in a negative way.

‘Shasthya Nirapotta Scheme (SNS)’

safeguarding the forgotten

Nominees of the deceased

members under "Shasthya

Nirapotta Scheme (SNS)" at

Chattogram have recently

been brought under death

claim settlement process - a

much needed initiative

supported by WaterAid. Each

of the affected families,

therefore, received a cheque

worth BDT 30 thousand at the

Chattogram City Corporation

(CCC) office.

The three deceased waste

and sanitation workers are -

Shapan Nath, Dilla Das and

Rita Das. Spouses of the three

collected the cheques at the

event from Afroza Kalam,

hon'ble Acting Mayor of CCC.

Abdullah Al Omar, City

Planner, CCC, and other high

officials from CCC also

attended the programme.

WaterAid's Technical Partner

Waadaa Incure and Chartered

Life Insurance representatives

graced the programme.

The Shasthya Nirapotta

Scheme (SNS) (carrying the

meaning of health protection)

was launched in August, 2022

under the project

WASH4Urban poor

supported by Sweden

Embassy, with the objective to

embed a safety-net for waste

and sanitation workers

through a minimum annual

premium of only BDT 199. It

commenced with over 6,000

waste and sanitation workers

and their family members in

partnerships with Waadaa

Insure as the Technical

Partner and Chartered Life

Insurance Company as the

Insurer and active

participation of local

authorities as well as local

government representatives.

The subscribers of the SNS

scheme are currently eligible

for health discounts from 250

clinics and diagnostics centers

across Bangladesh apart from

the insurance claim in the

event of death of the primary

cardholder

Waste and sanitation

workers in Bangladesh,

suffering from poverty and

tackling various social and

religious taboos constantly,

are mostly forgotten and

ignored when it comes to

social development

plannings. Despite being an

essential part of the total

sanitation value chain of the

society, traditional social

support systems barely

provide enough in regards of

their wellbeing. The constant

threat of infection, injury and

even death is an ingrained

attribute of their nature of

work. There is no subsidized

healthcare support curated for

their wellbeing, and there

hardly exist any means to

economically support their

families in the event of longterm

injury or death.

WaterAid pioneered the

Shasthya Nirapotta Scheme

(SNS) to ease the lives of

waste and sanitation workers

and bring them under a

sustainable health and social

security framework through a

dedicated and risk-free

scheme. DSK, Sajida

Foundation, and Nobolok

with collaboration of Waadaa

Insurer are WaterAid's

partners for the initiative

currently in Dhaka,

Chittagong and Khulna City

Corporations.

The Mayor and other CCC

officials praised the integrity

of the program, expressing

gratitude to WaterAid and all

its partners for providing

timely assistance to the

vulnerable families. Kanchon

Das, husband of late Rita Das

and a beneficiary of SNS, also

thanked WaterAid for the

support. "My wife's earnings

BB sets cost

ceiling for

short-term

trade finance

in forex

DHAKA : Bangladesh

Bank (BB) has set the allin-cost

ceiling for shortterm

permissible trade

finance in foreign

exchange.

"Given the global market

trends, it has been decided

to set all-in-cost ceiling per

annum at SOFR + 3.50

percent for short term

trade finance in foreign

exchange," said a BB

circular.

All other applicable

instructions in this regard

shall remain unchanged,

the circular added.

would directly go to backing

the education for our children.

Since she passed away, I have

been under a lot of stress to

support the family and fulfill

every household need. The

money I received today comes

as a big help to minimize my

suffering. Thanks to

WaterAid's generous scheme

for us". Hossain I. Adib,

Director of Programme at

WaterAid, said, "WaterAid

aims to uplift the working

conditions of sanitation

workers in partnership with

city

corporations,

municipalities and local

authorities, this scheme is

part of our effort to ensure

that all sanitation workers get

access to affordable and

quality health care services

and live a dignified safe life.

There is no mechanism which

protects these vital workforces

working in such perilous

conditions, the scheme is a

small step in supporting them

and their families in times of

crisis."

thurSDAY, SeptemBer 29, 2022

9

Brazil's forward Neymar (C) celebrates with his teammates midfielder Lucas paqueta (L) and forward raphinha (r)

after scoring his team's third goal during the friendly match against tunisia.

photo: Ap

Spain snare

Nations League

semifinal spot

from Portugal

SportS DeSk

Alvaro Morata's late strike

snatched Spain a 1-0

Nations League victory over

Portugal in Braga on

Tuesday and sent them into

the semifinals, reports

UNB.

La Roja needed to win to

finish top of League A

Group 2, but struggled on

another difficult night for

the Euro 2020

semifinalists, until Morata's

88th-minute breakthrough.

Spain have not been able to

hit top form in the

internationals leading up to the

Qatar 2022 World Cup, but this

hard-fought victory provides a

welcome morale boost.

Portugal had the better of

the game but Spain

brightened in the final

stages, with the introduction

of several substitutes,

including Nico Williams,

who headed across goal for

Morata to gleefully turn in at

the back post.

"When we had to stand

up, we did," Morata told

TVE. "If we had lost, it had

to be giving everything we

had on the pitch, and that's

what we did.

"I'll remember the

attitude of the team, we

fought until the end. And

Nico Williams, in his second

game for the national team,

was key and I put it over the

line."

GD-1584/22 (7x4)

Racial slur, laser pens at

players mar Brazil's 5-1 win

over Tunisia in friendly

SportS DeSk

Richarlison was the target of a banana thrown

from the crowd as Brazil thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in

a friendly in Paris on Tuesday, while Neymar

edged closer to Pele's all-time scoring record for

the five-time world champions, reports UNB.

The game at the Parc des Princes was also

briefly paused in the first half as the crowd were

twice implored not to point laser pens at Brazil

players.

"Unfortunately... a banana was thrown on the

pitch toward Richarlison, scorer of the second

Brazilian goal," the Brazilian football

confederation (CBF) said on Twitter.

"The CBF reinforces its position to combat

racism and repudiates any prejudiced act."

The Selecao produced a dominant first-half

display in their final outing before traveling to

Qatar for the World Cup, with Raphinha netting

twice and Neymar moving to within two of Pele's

record.

Richarlison also found the net, while Pedro

scored as a second-half substitute before

responding to more boos and missiles from the

crowd by bowing in front of them in celebration.

"It's a shame, it's difficult to see images like

that," said Brazil captain Thiago Silva, whose

team posed for a team photo before the match

with a banner bearing an anti-racism message.

"Unfortunately it seems that we can't change

people's mentality.

"I hope they will realize that this doesn't work,

it's the past, we have to change. Unfortunately,

people continue with this mentality."

Tite's Brazil will head into their World Cup

Group G opener against Serbia on Nov. 24 on a

15-match unbeaten run, dating back to their

Copa America final loss to Argentina last year.

The scene for a bad-tempered match was set

when the vast numbers of Tunisia fans jeered the

235

Brazilian national anthem before kickoff.

"I was puzzled, I was saying 'No, it's a lack of

respect'. Football is a sport that promotes

inclusion," said Tite.

Brazil took the lead in the 12th minute, though,

as Casemiro clipped the ball over the top and

Barcelona winger Raphinha directed a

wonderful looping header over Tunisia

goalkeeper AymenDahmen and into the net.

JalelKadri's men hit back six minutes later.

Defender MontassarTalbi met Anis Slimane's

outswinging free-kick to send a powerful header

into the bottom corner past 'keeper Alisson.

Incredibly, Brazil were back ahead just

seconds after that setback, as Raphinha sent

Richarlison in behind to drill a strike through the

legs of Dahmen to score his third goal in two

games after a double against Ghana.

The Tottenham forward celebrated in front of

the Tunisian supporters, who responded by

throwing a banana and plastic cups in his

direction. Fred kicked the banana off the pitch,

before extra security guards took up residence on

the side of the field.

Brazil almost extended their advantage as

Paqueta followed a fine turn with a low shot

which Dahmen tipped wide.

But from the resulting corner, Casemiro was

hauled down in the box and Neymar stepped up

to roll home his 75th international goal from the

penalty spot, despite having lasers pointed at his

face.

Brazil continued to cut through the visitors'

defense with ease and Raphinha scored again in

the 40th minute by firing in off the post from the

edge of the box.

Things went from bad to worse for Tunisia

before halftime as Dylan Bronn brought down

Neymar and was harshly sent off after a brief

melee between the two teams.

Johor ruler lauds

sons' racing

achievements

SportS DeSk

Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Sultan

Iskandar has praised his two

younger sons for their

achievements in the GT

World Challenge Asia GT3

Pro-Am

Driver's

Championship last Sunday,

reports UNB.

In a statement issued by the

Royal Press Office, Sultan

Ibrahim said he was "very

pleased" with the duo's

achievements.

"We didn't only create

history on the national stage

with Sukma," he said,

referring to Johor's victory in

the Malaysia Games (Sukma),

"but my sons also flew the

Johor flag high in the

international arena".

The TunkuPanglima of

Johor, Tunku Abdul Rahman

Sultan Ibrahim, clinched the

championship at the

Okayama Circuit in Japan,

alongside his partner Nick

Foster and their team, Triple

Eight Race Engineering.

The team also triumphed in

the overall GT3 Teams

Championships.

Sultan Ibrahim's other son,

TunkuPutera of Johor, Tunku

Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim,

also managed to land a spot in

the GT3 Pro-Am Drivers

standings, securing 5th place,

alongside

partner

JazemanJaafar, in his debut

season.

"I would like to congratulate

them both on a job well done

this season. To Iman

(TunkuPanglima), keep up

the good work and to Boo

(TunkuPutera), try and

overtake your brother next

season," Sultan Ibrahim said.

Patience will bring

Premier League

points for Newcastle:

Kieran Trippier

SportS DeSk

Kieran Trippier believes

patience is a virtue for

Newcastle United when it

comes to English Premier

League points and progress,

reports UNB.

The Magpies have so far

been frustrated in their

search for an elusive second

win of the top-flight

campaign, having not

claimed three points since

the opening-day victory over

Nottingham Forest.

They head to Craven

Cottage to face Fulham on

Saturday looking to end that

run, which has seen them

draw five and lose one - in

time added on at Anfield - to

see them sit slap bang in the

middle of the Premier

League table.

And while some fans are

starting to question Eddie

Howe's new possessionbased

methods, which are a

far cry from the counterattack

systems of old,

England international

Trippier is in no doubt.

He said: "You see teams

now coming to St. James'

and have that low block, so

we've just got to deal with

that, try to break teams

down, and be more

composed at certain teams.

That will come of course it

will, but it's been a big

change since January, so we

just need to keep taking the

next steps. It's just about

being patient.

"You look at when we

played Manchester City,

they were 3-1 down but they

didn't panic, they kept the

ball, they know they're 3-1

down and they believed they

could get back into the

game.

"That's where we want to

be as a club, like Man City,

like Liverpool, it's just about

not panicking, keeping the

ball, keeping composed, and

the opportunities will come,"

he added.

Trippier returns from

England duty this week

having played a peripheral

role for Gareth Southgate's

men. Last year's European

Championships runners up

have largely flattered to

deceive since their summer

2021 exploits.

Kipchoge to be at London

Marathon, but will not run

SportS DeSk

Eliud Kipchoge will be the star attraction at the

London Marathon this weekend but the Kenyan,

who smashed his own world record for the

distance in Berlin on Sunday, will restrict his

exertions to handing out medals in the mini

marathon, reports UNB.

Kipchoge, a four-times winner in London, clocked

2'01:09s to take half a minute off his own record set

on the same Berlin course four years ago.

Returning to London he will present medals to

thousands of youngsters racing parts of the course

on Saturday, finishing under the famous gantry on

The Mall. In an initiative for this year, new race

sponsor Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will give

the school of every child who finishes £10

(US$10.78) per participant to spend on PE or IT

equipment.

"We are thrilled that Eliud will be with us this

weekend. He is, without doubt, the GOAT of

marathon running and will be a huge inspiration to

everyone taking part," said event director Hugh

Brasher. The London Marathon will revert to its

usual April date next year, increasing the chances of

a return for Kipchoge as the optimum course of

Berlin, traditionally held in September, remains his

main draw when records are in his sights.

"They've got a fast course but we've got the biggest

charity fundraising, the crowd, so many things that

just make London so special," Brasher said.

"I'm honestly delighted that he went to Berlin and

GD-1581/22 (13x3)

broke that world record and we would be absolutely

delighted to have him back in 2023. We're just so

pleased to have him here as an ambassador this

week."

Briton Mo Farah, now 39, won the mini marathon

three times and will be the man the locals want to see

on Sunday. Brasher said he hoped the example of

Kipchoge could persuade Britain's finest ever

distance runner to defer any thoughts of retirement

despite his struggles to compete at the sharp end in

recent years. "I think Eliud is proving aged 37 and

running a PB that the age barriers that we used to

think existed do not necessarily now exist," said

Brasher.

"I think that what we should be doing is allowing

Mo time to decide what he wants. One bad

performance, a couple of bad performances, do not

mean that people should write somebody off. He is

an absolutely superb athlete, he will always be

welcome back and I hope he runs fantastically well.

"The door will always be open to Mo - he is

Britain's greatest endurance athlete and we have a

long history with him, going back to the Mini

Marathon through the fact that we supported him

through his university time, which is something

that's not publicised."

Brasher said that he was planning for London

Marathon to accommodate 50,000 runners, up

from the current total of around 40,000, probably

from 2024, with a long view to matching that with

50,000 in the Mini Marathon to mark the race's 50th

Anniversary in 2031.

THURsdAY, sEPTEMBER 29, 2022

10

Niloy, Heme pairs up

in ‘Poran Pakhi’

TBT REPORT

Niloy Alamgir and Jannatul

Sumaiya Heme has already

become a popular pair of

the small screen of present

time among the viewers by

presenting some good

works. This time they are

going to work as pair in a

web story, which will be

made by promising music

video maker Mahin Awlad.

Earlier, under Mahin's

direction, Niloy and Heme

performed together in a

music video.

For the first time, they are

going to work in a web story

titled 'Poran Pakhi,' which

will be produced by Dhruba

Music Station. Director

Mahin Awlad informed

that shooting of this web

story will be held at Film

Valley in Manikganj on

October 6 and 7. Director

Mahin is very much excited

and he is taking necessary

preparations in this regard.

Niloy Alamgir said,

"Earlier, I had experience to

perform as a model in Belal

Khan's song's music video.

For the first time, under

Mahin's direction, I am

going to work in a web

series. As it will be his first

work with a web story, so

that Mahin is serious about

its making. I have already

meeting with him for

several times and Mahin

has shared his planning

with me regarding making

the web series. I have also

given my opinions to him.

Now we are waiting to start

its shooting. Working with

Heme one after another has

already made us a popular

pair on the small screen's

viewers. After making

'Poran Pakhi,' when it

comes to air, I believe

viewers will enjoy this."

Heme shared her feelings

by this way, "Earlier, Niloy

and I performed as models

in music video of Belal

rendered the song titled

'Keno Aj.' This song was

released few years ago and

we got positive response for

this. Mahin had made the

music video so nicely. For

the first time, we are going

to work under his direction

for a web. He is optimistic

about the work. Niloy and I

are also hopeful about the

work. I hope something

better will be done."

Story of 'Poran Pakhi' is

written by director Mahin

Awlad. Scripts and

dialogues were written by

Ferari Farhad.

Jolie finally moving on from

Pitt as Salma plays cupid!

Angelina Jolie is undeniably one of

the most-loved actresses of the

west and her massive fan following

is a testament to this fact. She is

not just liked for her surreal beauty

but also for her skills as an actor.

After a prolonged custody battle

and divorce with ex-husband Brad

Pitt, looks like she is ready to find

her soulmate and guess what, her

newly found friend, Salma Hayek

is the one helping her with it. So

what is the duo exactly up to!

For the unversed, Jolie and Pitt

called it quits in 2016 and most

reports suggested that Brad's

alcoholism and substance abuse

was to blame for it. The ex-couple

also fought a long custody battle of

their six kids- Maddox, Pax,

Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and

Vivienne, which Angelina went on

to win despite several efforts made

by Pitt. The Fight Club actor has

only been given visitation rights

and some of the reports suggest

that even his parents haven't met

the kids in years.

According to the most recent

report by OK! Magazine, Angelina

Jolie and Salma Hayek's

friendship has flourished since

they worked together on Marvel's

Eternals and they are currently

teamed up for a movie named

Without Blood, which is written,

directed and produced by Jolie

herself.

Speaking about Salma Hayek

planning to find Angelina Jolie a

man, the same source revealed,

"Angie envies how Salma found

herself a worldly soulmate and

would love that type of guy for

herself."

Angelina Jolie is reportedly

looking for someone who can

match her intellectual level and

Salma Hayek has already gotten to

work. "She's already looking to line

Angie up with some dates", a

source close to the development

revealed to the same publication.

Source: Collider

Singer Asif

becomes

Father-in-Law

TBT REPORT

Popular singer Asif Akbar has now

become father-in-law. On the night of

September 24, the Aqd of his elder

son Shafqat Asif Rono was completed.

The bride's name is Ismat Shehrin

Talukdar Ishita. She is studying in the

computer science department at a

Asif Akbar, the popular musician of life. After many days I regained the

private university in Dhaka.

Rono and Ishita knew each other

Bangladesh, became the father of a almost faded joys. My family is like

since childhood. Two families used to

daughter five months ago. Now floating in a raft of white clouds in a

live side by side for a long time in another new daughter is coming to his

sunny blue sky on a bright autumn

Century Tower in the Moghbazar house. The singer's elder son Shafqat

day. Soon after I became a father to

Wireless area of Dhaka. It is known Asif got engaged last Saturday.

that their engagement was completed Writing the news of his son's

my five-month-old daughter Aidah

on the will of both families. The engagement on Facebook, Asif said, Asif Rangan, the wedding bell rang at

wedding reception will be held in the "The current year 2022 has brought home. Our eldest son Shafqat Asif

first week of October.

back the successful year 2001 in my Rono got engaged. Alhamdulillah."

‘Payer Tolay Mati Nai’ receives

Fipresci-India Critics Award

TBT REPORT

Shahed Emon.

The festival commenced on

Bangladeshi filmmaker

September 20 and ran till

Mohammad Rabby Mridha's

September 25, at Nandan

feature film 'Payer Tolay Mati

Cultural Centre in Kolkata.

Nai' (No Ground Beneath the

The film also received an

Feet) has won the Fipresciuncut

clearance from the

India Critics Award for the

Bangladesh Film Censor

'Best Debut Feature Film' at

Board (BFCB) recently.

the first edition of the World

'Payer Tolay Mati Nai' has

Film Festival Kolkata.

already been showcased in

Out of the 11 films from

Busan (Korea), Bengaluru,

different countries, four films

Pune, Sri Lanka, Japan, International Federation of presented Bangladesh as the

were chosen for this where

Nepal, Austria and London. Film Societies (IFFS) (Asia- Country Focus showcasing

Mridha's 'Payer Tolay Mati

It has also been screened at Pacific region) and Bangladeshi films- 'Payer

Nai' was selected as the

14 prestigious film festivals showcased 29 films from all Tolay Mati Nai,' Amitabh

winner.

across the globe, including over the world. Jaya Ahsan Reza Chowdhury's 'Rickshaw

On the closing day of the

Canada and Australia. was present as the chief guest Girl', Nurul Alam Atique's

festival, Bangladeshi actress

World Film Festival at the event.

'Laal Moroger Jhuti', Masud

Jyotika Jyoti accepted the

Kolkata was organised by the To pay tribute to 50 Years Pathik's 'Maya - The Lost

award on behalf of the

Federation of Film Societies of the Liberation War of Mother' and Senjutee

director, Mohammad Rabby

of India (Eastern Region) in Bangladesh, the first World Suborna Tushee's 'Ripples'

Mridha and its producer Abu

collaboration with the Film Festival Kolkata for the first time in Kolkata.

Amitabh Bachchan, who

turned music composer

with R Balki's Chup, has

shared that his melody

speaks of 'unrequited love',

and revealed how it was

composed and recorded.

Amitabh Bachchan, who

turned music composer for

the first time in his career

for R Balki's film Chup:

Revenge of the Artist, has

opened up about his

composition. The actor

revealed that he alone has

played all the instruments

in the composition, and has

also recorded it personally,

alone. He also shared that

Amitabh says he played all

instruments for Chup

the song speaks of

unrequited love as he

penned a note about it. Also

Read| Amitabh Bachchan

turns music composer for R

Balki's Chup

The veteran actor shared

the note on his Facebook

account and his Tumblr

blog. He also shared a

recording of his

composition being played at

the end of Chup, with the

credits reading, "110 years

of Indian cinema. 80 years

of Amitabh Bachchan.

Thank You Amit Ji...The

title music at the end has

been specially composed by

Amitabh Bachchan."

Sharing the note, the

veteran actor wrote, "A

composition of 'moi' after

an inspiring moment from

film .. Each instrument

played by 'moi' .. and

recorded personally ..

alone."

Talking about the melody,

Amitabh Bachchan said the

song speaks of the pain of

unrequited love and

separation. He started, "To

me it was the melody, that

spoke...spoke of love...of

unrequited love...love that is

not openly reciprocated or

understood ...by beloved...

beloved be not aware of

admirer's deep, pure

affection, or consciously

reject it...what then the

melody - if it can be called

that .. melodies that are

singular strains of

expression...but an

expression of what...

happiness

or

disillusionment it played for

the maker."

R Balki had previously

shared the story of how

Amitabh Bachchan turned

music composer with his

film Chup. The filmmaker

told ETimes, "After seeing

(Chup), he called me over

and he played me a tune on

his piano and said that's

what the movie and the

characters made him feel...I

asked him if I could use the

tune and he immediately

gifted it to the movie."

Source: Times of India

H O R O s c O P E

ARIEs

You'll do some serious soul searching

today. Which goals have you achieved

and which ones have gone

unattained? Be honest as you reflect

on past months. Could you have done things

differently? Would you like to do things differently

in the future? You'd be well advised to write down

your successes and regrets. Use the list to keep you

on track. It's bound to be a great help to you.

TAURUs

Expect your romantic relationship to be

better than ever today, Taurus. You're

communicating well and in touch with

one another's feelings. How wonderful

to be able to maintain an inspiring, rewarding bond

with someone who loves you. There is much to be

grateful for. This could be a good time to take your

relationship to the next level. Your partner won't

mind discussing this.

GEMINI

This could be a banner day, Gemini.

Your spiritual and career goals come

together so both are enhanced, and

neither is compromised. It's a neat

trick. You can expect the opportunity to practice

what you preach to come to you through a friend or

colleague. Don't discount any ideas presented to you,

as one will contain the key to meshing two of the

most important parts of your life.

cANcER

Be your most charming self tonight,

Cancer. You're likely to talk with

someone who can help your career.

Your intuition is strong, so you may

know who this person is the minute you begin your

conversation. If the chemistry is good, too, so much

the better! Whether this person impacts your life in

a romantic or business capacity, you'll remember

this night as when your life changed for the better!

LEO

You have an introspective nature, Leo.

For the last few weeks, you've been

reflecting on and assessing what does

and doesn't work in your life. It's likely

that you're ready for some kind of major change.

Either your relationship is in a rut or you need a

complete career overhaul. Follow your instincts as

you plan how to develop and grow from here. You

are your own best guide.

VIRGO

You're ready for something new and

different, Virgo. What better time than

during the current transits to put into

practice what has only been a dream?

You may decide to work for yourself or ditch one

relationship in favor of another. You want the

changes you implement to be brash and farreaching!

If not, you may have to wait a long time to

feel this energetic and optimistic again.

LIBRA

You'll do some serious soul searching

today. Which goals have you achieved

and which ones have gone unattained?

Be honest as you reflect on past

months. Could you have done things differently?

Would you like to do things differently in the future?

You'd be well advised to write down your successes

and regrets. Use the list to keep you on track. It's

bound to be a great help to you.

scORPIO

Today you'll realize that a clean slate

brings with it the chance for a new

beginning. You feel excited and

optimistic about the future. Your

goals are clear, and your mind is sharp. How can

you not succeed? Take care not to let your fantasies

run away with you. Keep your eyes on your

attainable goals rather than waste time and energy

chasing pipe dreams.

sAGITTARIUs

You may be ready for some major

career changes, Sagittarius. You could

be fed up with the stress and long

hours of the corporate environment.

Surely in this age of technology there's a way to

spend more time at home without sacrificing the

quality of your work. Think about it for a few days. If

you propose a feasible alternative to your boss, the

positive response may surprise you.

cAPRIcORN

Your intuition is working overtime

today, Capricorn, making you sensitive

to others' deepest emotions. It may be

that the celestial atmosphere has

everyone feeling open and honest, eager to grow

into his or her most authentic self. Certainly, that's

how you feel. Take some time out of your busy

schedule to reflect on your regrets and successes. Be

as true to yourself as possible.

AQUARIUs

No pressure, Aquarius, but as things

are now, you might want to evaluate

your career. Is it working out well?

What are your latest achievements?

What goals haven't been reached? If the answers

aren't satisfactory, it's time to make some dramatic

changes. If your work doesn't make your heart sing,

it's time to find some that does. Life isn't a dress

rehearsal. Get going!

PIscEs

The time is right for all things

financial, Pisces. If you've been

thinking of signing a contract to

accept a job or purchase a piece of

property, go ahead. Strategize ways in which you

can be even more financially successful in the

future. You have a lot of skills, but you don't

always apply them as carefully as you could.

Correct this and you'll be unstoppable!

THURSDAy, SePTeMbeR 29, 2022

11

GD-1588/22 (7 x 3)

737713

GD-1590/22 (6 x 3)

Man held with

firearm, ammunition

in Rajshahi

RAJSHAHI: Rapid Action

Battalion (RAB), in an anticrime

drive, arrested an

alleged top-listed firearms

trader with a firearm and

ammunition in the district

early yesterday morning,

reports BSS.

RAB sources said the

arrested person was

identified as Farhad Ahmed

Rockey, 24, son of late

Lokeman Ali, of Dashmary

village under Motiher Police

Station in the district.

On a tip-off, a team of the

elite force conducted a drive

in his house around 3.45 am

and arrested the person and

recovered a foreign made

pistol, a magazine and two

bullets after searching the

house vigorously.

The RAB team detained

the person for his long-term

involvement in firearms

trading and trafficking.

Govt. registers

Morcha Election

Monitoring Forum

SM AkASh, ChATTOGRAM

The Government of the

People's Republic of

Bangladesh has given

registration to Morcha

Election Monitoring Forum

of 31 monitoring

organizations and 20 NGO

organizations registered by

the Election Commission of

Bangladesh. According to

section 28 of the Companies

Act 1994, on September 25,

under the Ministry of

Commerce's organization-1

branch, Tarofdar Sohail

Rahman, the Deputy

Secretary, signed the

registration number-

10/2022. The Executive

Committee of the Election

Monitoring Forum is chaired

by the Secretary General of

SAARC human Rights

Foundation Prof.

Mohammad Abed Ali, the

directors respectively, former

Election Commissioner Shah

Newaz, DUET Vice-

Chancellor Professor Dr.

habibur Rahman, BUET

Vice-Chancellor Professor

Dr. Abdul Jabbar khan, Vice-

Chancellor of Islamic Arabic

University Ahmed Abul

kalam Azad, human rights

organizer Md Tanbirul Islam,

businessman Md Iqbal

Bahar, NGO organizer Md

Monir hossain, Sultana

Razia. The organization was

formed before the election of

the 11th National Parliament

with the purpose of various

activities including

democracy, voting rights, free

and fair elections and

encouraging the people to

vote. This organization,

which is widely discussed by

inviting local and foreign

observers, has been

observing various local

government elections in the

country since 2018. The

program continues

nationwide.

On the occasion of the celebration of International Day for Universal Access to

Information, a discussion meeting was held at the initiative of the district administration

in Joypurhat. District Commissioner Md. Shariful Islam presided over the meeting and

Zilla Parishad Administrator Arifur Rahman Rocket. Additional District Commissioner

Anwar Parvez, Sadar Upazila Parishad Chairman SM Solaiman Ali, District Awami League

General Secretary Zakir Hossain Mondal, Vice President Add. Momin Ahmed Chowdhury

GP, former freedom fighter commander Amjad Hossain, journalist Tapan Kumar Khan and

others spoke at the meeting.

Photo: Masrakul Alom

GD-1585/22 (6 x4)

†kL nvwmbvi g~jbxwZ

MÖvg kn‡ii DbœwZ

GD-1587/22 (5 x 4)

Iqvmv- R: Z: 431/2022

GD-1589/22 (7x4)

thursday, dhaka : September 29, 2022; Ashwin 14, 1429 bS; rabi-ul-Awal 2 , 1444 hijri

HC rules over

candidacy of 1

in Satkhira Zila

Parishad polls

DHAKA : The High Court (HC) yesterday

issued a rule asking authorities concerned

to explain as to why the candidacy of

chairman aspirant Md Nazrul Islam in

upcoming Satkhira Zila Parishad polls

shall not be cancelled for loan default.

A High Court division bench comprising

Justice Md Ruhul Quddus and Justice SM

Maniruzzaman passed the order after

holding hearing on a writ filed in this

regard.

Advocate Md Humayun Kabir moved

the plea before the court, while Advocate

Touhidul Islam argued for Election

Commission (EC). Assistant Attorney

Generals Farzana Rahman Shampa and

Tamanna Ferdous took part in the hearing

for the state.

Another chairman aspirant M

Khalilullah filed the writ on September 27,

pleading for court's direction to scrap

Nazrul's candidacy. Officials concerned

including Chief Election Commissioner

were made respondents in the writ.

The election is scheduled to be held on

October 17.

BD presents instruments

of accession toMarrakesh

Treaty to WIPO DG

DHAKA : Bangladesh has successfully

deposited instruments of its accession to

the Marrakesh Treaty of the World

Intellectual Property Organization

(WIPO) to facilitate access to published

works for the blind, visually impaired, or

people with print disabilities.

Ambassador and Permanent

Representative of Bangladesh to the UN

Offices and other International Organizations

in Geneva Md. Mustafizur Rahman on

September 26 presented the instruments of

accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to WIPO

Director General Daren Tang at the Int’l

Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

headquarters in Geneva.

Bangladesh became the 116th nation in

the world to sign this agreement to

improve the access to books and reading

for the country's people with disabilities.

WIPO Director General Daren Tang

thanked Bangladesh and said, "Bangladesh

will now have access to all accessible books

for the visually impaired youth of the country

to ensure their full participation in economic,

social, and cultural life."

He said that WIPO looks forward to

continuing important collaboration with

Bangladesh to improve the quality of life of

people with all kinds of reading disabilities,

including the visually impaired."

The Marrakesh Treaty was adopted on

June 27, 2013 at a diplomatic conference of

WIPO, the United Nations specialized

agency, in the city of Marrakesh in Morocco.

Under the WIPO-administered Marrakesh

Treaty, it facilitates the creation and international

transfer of specially-adapted books (such

as the Daisy Multimedia Talking Book, Braille,

etc.) for people of other countries with blindness

or visual impairments easier by establishing

a set of limitations and exceptions to traditional

copyright law.

on the occasion of 76th birthday of Awami league President and Prime minister

Sheikh hasina, the central leaders and activists of Chhatra league took out a joyous

procession at dhaka University campus on Wednesday.

Photo : Star mail

10 lakh families got free

homes, lands under

Ashrayan project:Hasina

DHAKA : Prime Minister Sheikh

Hasina wants to make sure that everyone

in Bangladesh gets own home,

land and address as her government

continues its efforts for inclusive

development.

"My aim is to see that not a single person

remains homeless, landless and

without an address in Bangladesh," she

told Bengali service of Voice of America

(VoA) in an interview aired on Tuesday

sharing how the idea of Ashrayan project

came to her mind giving an equal

ownership right to both husband and

wife of a family.

The Ashrayan project - home for landless

and homeless - is seen as a "Sheikh

Hasina Model" for inclusive development.

Responding to a question, PM Hasina

said she is almost done with her aim and

10 lakh families have been given homes.

"If we count, around 35 lakh people got

the shelters."

She said they are not just giving the

homeless people homes, the people are

also provided with cash support with

necessary training to get involved in

income generating works and opportunities

to sell their products in the market.

"These make their living sustainable."

The prime minister remembered her

countrywide visits in 1981 when she

helped people get homes in some places.

But she saw that those homes were sold

out by them after a few days. Then she

thought of some ways so that the helpless

people do not need to sell their homes.

PM Hasina also shared her experience

in visiting St. Martin's Island after a

cyclone in 1997 where she found 70 families

without homes. Awami League

leaders came forward with their land

when she wanted to build homes for

them with the support of the

Bangladesh Navy. "I designed the

house. That's how it began."

The prime minister said she made

sure that ownership of the home for the

homeless goes equally to husband and

wife. If any problem arises anytime

between them, the ownership will go

to the wife, she said.

NRBC gets nod to

raise Tk500 crore

through bonds

DHAKA : The Bangladesh Securities and

Exchange Commission (BSEC)

Wednesday approved bonds of NRBC

Bank worth Tk500 crore.

The decision came at840th meeting of

the commission held in Dhaka, BSEC

Executive Director and spokesperson

Mohammad Rezaul Karim told UNB.

NRBC would raise Tk500 crore by issuing

non-convertible, unsecured, fully

redeemable, floating rate subordinated

bonds. The bonds would be issued

through private placement.

The face value of each bond is Tk1 crore,

and the coupon rate is 7 to 9 percent.

With the bond proceeds, the lender

would strengthen its Tier-2 capital base.

The trustee of the bonds is City Bank

Capital Resources, and UCB Investment is

the lead arranger, Rezaul said.

Women - men's favorite autumn fruit is Kotbel. At the beginning of autumn, this fragrant fruit Kotbel

hits in the bogura's market. the price is within the affordability of the buyers. each fruit is being sold

for twenty to thirty takas.

Photo : Sangit roy bappi

PM's 76th birthday

celebrated amid

festivity, enthusiasm

DHAKA : The 76th birthday of Prime

Minister Sheikh Hasina was celebrated

across the country yesterday through different

programmes. On September 28 in 1947,

Sheikh Hasina, the eldest of the five children

of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh

Mujibur Rahman and Begum Fazilatunnesa

Mujib, was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj.

In celebration of the birthday of Prime

Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in the

United States in connection with the 77th

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

session, central leaders of AL wished her

long life and success in politics.

Like previous years, the AL and its affiliated

organisations celebrated the day through

various events and discussions on the life

and achievements of Sheikh Hasina, who is

driving the nation towards prosperity following

the footsteps of her father.

The programmes included holding blood

donation and tree plantation campaigns,

arranging colourful rallies and discussions,

cutting cakes, cloth distribution, food distribution

and offering special doa and milad

mahfils seeking long-life and good health of

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The same

programmes were taken at the district, metropolitan,

upazila, municipal and union levels

in the country.

A discussion was held at Bangabandhu

International Conference Centre in the capital

this afternoon marking the birthday of

Sheikh Hasina. Chaired by AL presidium

member Begum Matia Chowdhury, the discussion

was addressed, among others, by

AL general secretary and Road Transport

and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, AL

presidium members - Agriculture Minister

Dr Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak,

Shajahan Khan, Abdur Rahman and

Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, joint

general secretaries -Education Minister Dr

Dipu Moni, Information and Broadcasting

Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and AFM

Bahauddin Nasim, organizing secretaries

Ahmed Hossain , B M Mozammel Haque

and Advocate Afzal Hossain, Secretary of

the Liberation War Affairs Advocate Mrinal

Kanti Das, Secretary of Relief and Social

Welfare Shri Sujit Roy Nandi, Secretary of

Science and Technology Affairs Engineer

Md Abdus Sabur, Secretary of Labor and

Manpower Habibur Rahman Siraj, Office

Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua,

Secretary of Women Affairs Maher Afroz

Chumki, AL's Dhaka City North City unit

President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman and

Dhaka South City AL president Abu

Ahmad Mannafi.

GAzi zAinAl Abedin, ChAttoGrAm

AzAm PArvez

The Ministry of Local Government has issued a notification

giving instructions to implement the waste collection,

removal and management program in all municipalities

across the country including Raujan Municipality of

Chattogram.

Anil Chandra Tripura, Secretary of Raujan Municipality,

said that a letter in this regard has recently arrived at the

Raujan Municipal Office.

It is known that the mayor of Raujan municipality Zamir

Uddin Parvez bought the decomposable and nonbiodegradable

garbage for cash to make Raujan municipality

a modern, clean and hygienic municipality.

Meanwhile, the exceptional activity is ongoing by collecting

about 80 thousand sacks.

The mayor took a different religious initiative to make

the municipality an income increasing municipality by

Freelancing paves the way for

the youth to get rid of poverty

Shrimp farmers in Bagerhat

stare at starvation

BAGERHAT : Already hit hard by the

Covid-19 pandemic, shrimp farmers in

Bagerhat district have been dealt another

severe blow this year-incessant showers

and consequent tidal surges.

This year, shrimps, crabs and different

species of fish worth over Tk 6 crore have

been swept away by tidal surges with more

than 8,000 shrimp enclosures going under

water across the southern district, pushing

many farmers to the brink of starvation.

In Chanditola village of Bagerhat's

Rampal upazila, for instance, most of the

farmers have lost their shrimp enclosures

to the late-monsoon showers and tidal

surges.

The scenario is the same in villages

across other upazilas of the district,

prompting the District Shrimp Farmers'

Association to demand from the government

an insurance scheme for their members

to protect them from such unexpected

losses.

A recent reality check by UNB revealed

that thousands of shrimp enclosures

across Sadar, Rampal, Mongla, Morelganj

and Shoronkhola upazilas were washed

away following five days of incessant showers-from

September 10 to September 14.

Though the Bagerhat fisheries department

estimates the loss to be around Tk 6

crore, farmers say the loss that they've

incurred is much more than that-in fact,

Sayem Academy is earning revenue by

freelancing on the internet or working for

various foreign organizations in the

Grand Hotel Mor area of Rangpur city.

The founder of this academy is a young

man named Abu Sayem. Not only this

young man, but many people in the area

are training in freelancing

in this institution. He has

given this training to hundreds

of young women

online during the Covid-19

pandemic. By walking the

path shown by him, more

than a thousand young

people of the area have

become independent. And

with this training, many

people are now earning 70

to 80 thousand taka per

month. Sayem's own annual

income is close to 10 lakh taka.

Sayem claims that he started freelancing

on the Internet in 2016. The initial

experience was not very good. In a

secluded village, he started a freelancing

training center in his own name with lots

of dreams. At that time the number of

trainees was only 5 people. Due to network

problems and low number of

trainees, Sayem is a bit stymied. But

Sayem did not give up. Later, Abu Sayem

was admitted to Rangpur Engineering

College.

He moved to Rangpur city in one year

to study. From then on he never looked

back. After six long years of hard work, he

is now successful. This young man

expressed his interest in playing a role in

eliminating unemployment. He also said

that unemployment is a curse. I want the

children of this generation to learn freelancing.

Freelancing should be taken

advantage of if you want to do something

along with your studies instead of just

studying. If you can work 8-10 hours a

day freelancing, it is possible to beat

unemployment."

Now in addition to the city, Sayem has

started teaching freelancing again to the

youth of his own village. He has also built

two freelancing training

centers in his own name

in Rangpur divisional

city. From here, the

youth are getting excited

about outsourcing

various mediums

including Affiliate

Marketing, SEO

(Search Engine

Optimization), Lead

Generation, CPA

Marketing, Content

Marketing, Social

Media Marketing.

At present, fifty students are undergoing

training on freelancing or outsourcing

at Sayem Academy. And in the last six

years, four hundred and fifty students

have received training on freelancing at

its training center. More than one thousand

and five hundred young people

have started working. Many of whom

have now become subalterns.

Meanwhile, the computer and science

department of Begum Rokeya University

welcomed the entrepreneur Abu Sayem.

The head of the department, Mizanur

Rahman said, if someone is associated

with freelancing while a student this will

be an additional income stream for him.

Now a large section of youth is learning

freelancing. Corona may later show the

light of hope to these freelancing unemployed

youth.

many have gone broke.

One such farmer is Meer Harun-or-

Rashid of Majhidanga village in Sadar

upazila, who has been cultivating shrimp

for the past 20 years.

"I had to endure losses at the beginning

of the year due to a drought-like situation.

Besides, viral infections had caused many

shrimps in my enclosures to die. Finally,

rising water levels and heavy rains have

taken away my remaining hopes, which

was worth a few lakhs," said Harun.

Mahitul Islam Sumon, president of

Bagerhat District Shrimp Farmers'

Association, was quick to demand an

insurance scheme for farmers to save them

from going bankrupt.

"Shrimp worth crores get washed away

during natural calamities every year. We

demand an insurance scheme for the

shrimp farmers of this district to help mitigate

their losses," he said.

ASM Rasel, Bagerhat district fisheries

officer, said that cluster-based shrimp

farming can withstand the losses caused by

natural disasters.

"Depths of the shrimp enclosures have to

be increased. Besides, all the shrimp minnows

have to be bought from the same

place. Before releasing the minnows in the

enclosures, they have to be nurtured for

some time. In this way, shrimp farmers

will be able to make profits," he said.

Waste management system to be

integrated in Raujan municipality

making full use of this garbage. And to implement this program

in all municipalities across the country, the Ministry

of Local Government Affairs formed a project committee.

A notification was issued in this regard under memorandum

No. 46,02,0000,14.86,2020/1979 (93) signed by

Project Committee Director AKM Rezaul Islam.

In this regard, Zamir Uddin Parvez, Mayor of Raujan

Municipality, told "The Bangladesh Today" that the initiative

we have taken to make Raujan Municipality a clean,

modern and health-friendly municipality is a local one

under the direction of ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, the

MP of Chittagong Raujan and President of the

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railway Ministry.

A delegation from the government ministry came and

expressed their satisfaction and honored us. Later, the

ministry took initiative to implement it throughout the

country, due to which Chattogram district and the people

of Raujan are blessed yesterday.

29-09-2022

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?