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PM mourns death of her Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim
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10 Mar 2024, 21:45
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of her Press Secretary and former Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Ihsanul Karim.
In a message of condolence, she said, "Karim had performed his duty with utmost sincerity and devotion as my Press Secretary".
The premier continued: "With his sad demise, the mass media people have lost their colleague and I have lost my trusted officer".
She prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Ihsanul Karim breathed his last at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital at 8.00 pm today, PM's Deputy Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas told BSS.
During his long checkered carrier, he also served as Press secretary of the President of Bangladesh, she said.
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Press Accreditation Cards of 20 Pro-Awami Journalists Canceled
The Department of Information has revoked the press accreditation cards of 20 journalists and officials known for their affiliation with the Awami League.
A letter was sent to the concerned individuals today (Tuesday), signed by Chief Information Officer (acting) Md. Nizamul Kabir.
The affected journalists include former Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) Zafar Wazed, former Press Minister at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi Shaban Mahmud, Chief Editor of Ekattor TV Mozammel Haque and Special Correspondent Farzana Rupa, Editor and Publisher of WomenNews24.com Farida Yasmin, Editor of The Daily Observer Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Editor of Bhorer Kagoj Shyamal Dutta, Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin Naem Nizam, Chief Editor of ABNews24.com Subhas Chandra Singh Roy, freelance journalist Syed Borhan Kabir, Chief News Editor of ATN News Munni Saha, Chief Editor of Amader Shomoy.com Naemul Islam Khan, Special Correspondent of Dainik Bangla Farazi Azmal Hossain, Head of News at Ekattor TV Shakil Ahmed, Editor of Dhaka Times Mohammad Arifur Rahman, former Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Abul Kalam Azad, freelance journalist Mithila Farzana, News Chief of Boishakhi TV Ashok Chowdhury, and Editor of DBC News Pronab Saha.
The notice states that the cards were canceled under Sections 6.9, 6.10, 9.5, and 9.6 of the Press Accreditation Policy. Both permanent and temporary cards previously issued by the Department of Information to these individuals have been revoked.
Gold Climbs to Record Highs in World Market
Gold hit a new all-time high (ATH) of $2,777, breaking all previous records in the world market. For the first time in the world market, the price of one ounce of gold exceeded 2,777 dollars.
On Wednesday (October 30) until 9:30 am, the price of one ounce of gold in the spot market was 2,777.78 dollars.
Traders are turning to gold as a safe-haven investment amid the Middle East conflict, volatility in the labor market, the Ukraine war, and rising odds for a Trump victory in US elections. Due to these reasons, the price of gold in the world market is on an upward trend, according to Reuters.
Bank of America, one of the leading investors in the world's financial sector, considers gold to be the most ideal investment at the moment. Michael Widmer, an expert from Bank of America recently said, "Gold is ideal for investment in the current situation. Gold is best suited to mitigate investor risk at the moment, especially as inflation and government debt continue to rise.
Predicting the continuation of the rising trend of gold prices, Bank of America said that the price of gold will rise to three thousand dollars per ounce by the first half of 2025.
Meanwhile, to deal with the inflation situation, the central banks are more inclined to buy gold to maintain the value of their currency, according to various international media. Currently, 10 percent of the world's central banks' reserves are gold. Which is just 3 percent of their total reserves even a decade ago.
From June this year, gold prices started to increase at an unusual rate. Last June 7, the price of gold per ounce was 2,293 dollars. After that, the price increased gradually, on October 18, the price of gold per ounce was 2,700 dollars for the first time in the world market. In less than a week, the price of gold per ounce increased to $2,750.
If the price increases in the world market, it affects the country's market as well. So the price can be adjusted in the country's market as well at any time.
Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) determines the price of gold in the country's market. As such, Bajus last adjusted the price of gold in the country's market on October 22. The organization fixed the price of 22-carat gold at Tk1,41,951 after increasing the price by Tk1,890.
Besides, the price of gold was fixed at Tk1,35,501 per bhori of 21-carat, Tk1,16,138 per bhori of 18-carat, and Tk95,423 per bhori of traditional method gold. It came into effect on October 23 last.
It should be noted that the price of gold has been adjusted 44 times in the country's market so far this year. Among them, the price was increased 27 times and decreased 17 times. In 2023, the price was adjusted 29 times.
Bangladesh-Pakistan Seminar Explores TV Ads’ Cultural Impact
A virtual seminar focusing on the cultural influence of TV advertising in Southeast Asia was held on Tuesday, October 29, bringing together researchers, students, and media professionals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and beyond. The event, organized by Malaysia-based Arus Academy, aimed to foster collaboration between academics from Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Moderated by Prashanta Kumar Shil, head coordinator of Arus Academy's Bangladesh Chapter and senior lecturer at Port City International University, the seminar provided a platform for insightful discussions on how culture shapes TV advertisements in the region.
Jewel Das, Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Port City International University, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of cross-border academic dialogue.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mohammad Ramzan Pahor, Assistant Professor at Sindh University, highlighted the deep cultural connection in regional advertisements. "Local customs and traditions are embedded in TV ads, making them resonate with viewers," he said.
Adding to the discussion, Najeeb Jatoi, Assistant Professor at Aurora University, noted, “TV ads in Southeast Asia mirror the region's lifestyles and traditions. Collaborative events like these are essential for the growth of researchers.”
The seminar also featured engaging Q&A sessions with students and participants. Other prominent attendees included Hashimuddin Mirani from Sindh University and Dr. Shabab Ali Shah, Chair of the Department of Environmental Science at Aurora University, along with guests from countries such as Malaysia, Nepal, Indonesia, India, and Afghanistan.
The event underscored the value of international cooperation in exploring the intersection of media and culture and laid the groundwork for future research initiatives between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
DMTCL Announces Closure of MRT Pass Registration
Metrorail gaining popularity as a fast and safe public transport in the congested capital. However, the managing company Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced a temporary closure of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) pass registration for travel on Metrorail. At the same time, it has been announced that the renewal of damaged cards will also be stopped.
This information was reported on the verified Facebook page of DMTCL at around 6:30 pm on Friday (November 1).
Due to unavoidable circumstances, the card registration and re-issuance facility will be closed till November 7. DMTCL sincerely apologizes for the temporary inconvenience.
Currently, Metrorail operates from 7:10 am to 9:40 pm, 6 days a week from Saturday to Thursday. Friday is running from 3:30 pm to 9:40 pm.
Gold Price Drops in World Market, May Impact Bangladesh As Well
On October 30, the price of gold per ounce exceeded 2,777 dollars for the first time in the world market, breaking all previous records and creating history. The gold price has decreased in the world market at this time.
On Sunday (November 3) at 11 o'clock in the spot market, the price of gold per ounce was 2,736.41 dollars.
Gold prices are said to have eased slightly as the impact of the US election and tensions in the Middle East eased somewhat.
Bangladesh Jewelers Association (BAJUS) determines the price of gold in the country's market. Those associated with the organization said that the price of gold has fallen in the world market, which may reduce the price of gold per ounce at any time. If the price falls in the global market, it affects the local market as well. Therefore, the price can be adjusted in the country's market at any time.
According to BAJUS, the last price on October 30, gold of 22 carats was fixed at Tk1,43,526 per bhori, which is the highest in the history of the country. Apart from this, 1,37,005 taka for 21-carat gold, Tk1,17,433 for 18-carat, and Tk96,520 for traditional method gold has been fixed.
Bishwa Ijtema to be Held in Two Phases From Jan 31
In 2025, the 'Bishwa Ijtema' will be held in two phases like the last few years.
Home Affairs Advisor Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury revealed this information after the meeting with the two factions of Tabligh on Monday (November 04).
He said that the 1st phase of Bishwa Ijtema will be held from January 31 to February 2 next year and the 2nd phase from February 7 to 9 on the Turag riverbank in Tongi.
He also said that although the date of Ijtema had been announced, it had yet to be decided which faction would hold its event first.
They had discussed topics such as the handover and preparation of the Ijtema ground, security, visas for foreign attendees, uninterrupted power supply, construction of floating bridges, emergency disaster arrangements, hygienic food, and traffic management for the final prayer day, Jahangir added.
It is to be noted that Bishwa Ijtema has been held since 1967 on the Turag riverbank in Tongi, Gazipur. Many Muslims from different parts of the world participated in this gathering of Tabligh Jamaat.
The two-phase Ijtema is led by Maulana Saad Kandhalvi of India and the other by Maulana Zubair of Bangladesh.
Although followers of Maulana Saad Kandhalvi participated in the meeting, representatives of Maulana Zubair were absent.
Working to Mitigate Losses of Karnaphuli Tunnel: Fouzul Kabir
Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has termed the Karnaphuli Tunnel project an instance of 'political showmanship and said they are working to mitigate the huge losses from this 'unrealistic' project.
"This tunnel is an unrealistic project. It was essentially a politically motivated project, a display for earning public attention. Other countries have tunnels underwater, why shouldn't we have one? But current realities reveal that it was grandstanding," adviser Fouzul said in an exclusive interview with UNB recently.
The tunnel, built at a cost of around Tk 10,700 crore, cannot simply be shut down or dismantled, he said, adding, "We are reviewing the reasons behind the losses and are working on ways to mitigate that."
Strategies will be worked out in coordination with relevant departments to reduce losses, he said.
The adviser added that authorities are exploring options to increase traffic flow through the tunnel but any investment would be based on concrete data, not inflated projections. "We have to repay our foreign loans, so there will be no speculative studies," the adviser said.
He said the tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram—Bangladesh's first underwater tunnel—failed to see its projected benefits, resulting in substantial daily losses.
Criticizing the previous Awami League government, he added, "They took up projects for the sake of having projects without considering national interests. This attitude has caused significant losses to the country."
He said the tunnel expenses have exceeded income significantly and vehicle flow estimates made before the tunnel’s construction have proven inaccurate, he added.
There were also flaws in the tunnel design as it was constructed with a shorter headroom of 4.9 meters which restricts the movement of heavy vehicles and fuel-carrying transport movement is prohibited due to safety concerns, thereby reducing potential traffic volume, said the Adviser.
Besides, projects planned for Chattogram's southern region and Cox's Bazar over the project were not implemented, limiting the tunnel's usage.
Karnaphuli Tunnel was built at a cost of Tk 10,700 crore. The tunnel project was implemented with joint funding of the governments of Bangladesh and China (G2G).
The Exim Bank of China provided a loan of Tk 5,913 crore while the Bangladesh government funded the rest.
The Karnaphuli River divides Chattogram into two parts. The tunnel being built – following the "One City, Two Towns" model like Shanghai in China – aiming to connect the port city on the north with Anwara upazila on the south.
Bridge Authority's statistics
According to the reports of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, since the tunnel’s opening on October 28 last year, revenue has consistently fallen short of operational costs.
In its first operational month, November, 166,312 vehicles used the tunnel, a daily average of 5,544, earning Tk 3.94 crore. However, by April this year, traffic dropped to an average of 3,855 vehicles per day. For the first 21 days of September, the average daily vehicle count further dropped to 3,073, showing a downtrend.
Currently, an average of Tk 11.80 lakh is being earned daily as a toll from the tunnel. However, since the tunnel is constructed underground, a substantial amount of money has to be spent each day to provide artificial oxygen and lighting, along with general and emergency security measures.
On average, around Tk 37.47 lakh is being spent every day to cover these operational costs. As a result, the daily loss amount reaches over Tk 25 lakh.
The Bridge Authority statistics reveal that over the past year, the tunnel saw about 14.11 lakh vehicles, 76% of which were light vehicles, with only 10% buses and 12% trucks.
Revenue from this vehicle flow has amounted to Tk 37.44 crore, far below projections.
Construction firm estimates from 2017 anticipated that, if opened by 2020, the tunnel would handle around 20,719 vehicles daily, growing by 6.4% annually to 28,305 vehicles per day by 2025, and nearly 38,000 by 2030. However, current figures fall drastically short of these projections, with a daily average of just 4,613 vehicles as of August this year, most of which are tourist transports.
Source: UNB
