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Pranay Verma underlines new opportunities for transforming cross-border electricity trade
International desk
02 Jul 2024, 21:22
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, delivered a special address at the inaugural session of a Regional Workshop on 'Transforming Cross Border Electricity Trade and Regional Electricity Market for an Energy Secure South Asia', which was jointly organized by India's Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), South Asia Group on Energy (SAGE-RIS) and USAID's South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) on 1 July 2024 in Dhaka.
In his address, Pranay Verma emphasized that the robustness and integrated nature of the Indian grid, together with sophisticated platforms for power trading and exchanges existing in India, offer great opportunity to India’s neighbours to join with each other through the Indian grid for seamless cross-border electricity trade.
High Commissioner described energy connectivity as a hallmark of transformative changes that have taken place in India-Bangladesh relations in the last decade, leading to the creation of a regional economy in true sense. This includes a new cross-border pipeline launched last year bringing high-speed diesel from an Indian refinery to Bangladesh; and the cross-border power transmission lines, bringing power not just from India to Bangladesh, but also facilitating power transmission from Nepal to Bangladesh through India.
Pranay Verma referred to the 'Shared Vision for Future' articulated by the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh during the recent State Visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, that has given a new impetus to both bilateral and regional power trade, as India and Bangladesh together commit to develop intra-regional electricity trade, including of competitively-priced power generated from clean energy projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan, through the Indian electricity grid.
High Commissioner Verma noted that regional electricity trade would mark a paradigm shift in how we approach energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability by leveraging the strengths and resources of different countries to optimize energy production and consumption.
Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh, Nasrul Hamid gave a keynote address through the video-link. The inaugural session was also addressed by the U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, Chairman, SAGE-RIS R. V. Shahi; and USAID mission director in Bangladesh Reed Aeschliman.
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Barrister Suman Arrested
Mirpur Model Thana Police has arrested Syed Sayedul Haque (Barrister Sumon), former Member of Parliament of Habiganj-4 (Chunarughat-Madhabpur) Constituency and a viral face on social media.
However, due to the vandalism and burning of the Mirpur Model Police Station during the anti-discrimination student movement, no accused can be kept there for the time being. For this reason Barrister Suman has been arrested and kept in Pallabi police station for the time being.
On Monday (October 22), the officer-in-charge (OC) of Pallabi police station said. Nazrul Islam confirmed this information.
He said, on Monday (October 22) night, barrister Sumon, a former member of Parliament, was arrested from Dhaka by the Mirpur Model Police Station in the student murder case during the anti-discrimination student movement. But due to vandalism and arson at the Mirpur Model Police Station during the agitation, there is currently no place to keep the accused. For this reason Barrister Suman has been kept in Pallabi police station.
Earlier, barrister Syedul Haque Sumon suddenly gave a mysterious Facebook status at midnight. On Monday (October 21) at 1:21 PM, he wrote on Facebook that he was going with the police.
Suman wrote on his verified Facebook page, I am going with the police. See you in court. Everyone pray.
Cyclone 'Dana' Threatens to Follow Amphan's Path
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked low by 4 PM on Monday, October 21. Meteorologists warn that it may develop into a cyclone, potentially following the same path as the devastating Cyclone Amphan.
Satellite images from Japan show that by Monday evening, the system's center was located near 15°N latitude and 92°E longitude, with winds reaching 50 km/h around the core. It is currently moving northwest and is expected to continue in this direction over the next 24 hours.
Meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Haque stated that the system could develop into a depression by Tuesday, October 22, bringing light rain to southern parts of Bangladesh.
Experts predict that Cyclone Dana could impact the coastal areas of Khulna and Barisal divisions, with concerns of storm surges along the coast. Fishermen have been advised to stay near the coast and take precautions to reach safe shelters quickly if necessary.
Mustafa Kamal Palash, a weather and climate researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, warned that Dana could hit the coast late Thursday night, potentially crossing land through the Sundarbans, impacting both Bangladesh and West Bengal.
According to the European Union’s weather forecast model, there is a high chance of the cyclone making landfall as a severe storm between midnight on October 23 and 6 PM on October 24, directly affecting West Bengal and the Khulna division.
Barrister Sumon Placed on 5-Day Remand
The court granted a 5-day remand to Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Sumon, former Member of Parliament of Habiganj-4 Constituency.
The police produced him in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court of Dhaka on Tuesday (October 22).
For the sake of proper investigation of the case, the investigating officer, sub-inspector of Mirpur Model Police Station, Abdul Halim applied for a 10-day remand. On the other hand, his lawyer requested to cancel the remand and applied for bail. The state opposed bail. After hearing both sides, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain rejected his bail application and granted a 5-day remand.
Earlier on October 21, the police arrested him from the Mirpur No. 6 area of Dhaka around 1:30 p.m. He was arrested in the case of vandalizing and burning the Mirpur Model Police Station during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The plaintiff in the case is Hridoy Mia, an assistant cook at the 'Bangaliana Bhoj' Hotel in Mirpur. He was shot during the anti-discrimination movement. After the fall of the government, he filed this case of attempt to murder at Mirpur Model Police Station on September 23.
Deep Depression in Bay / Maritime Ports Advised to Hoist Warning Signals
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, with the possibility of evolving into a cyclone, according to the Meteorological Department.
As a precaution, seaports across Bangladesh have been instructed to hoist warning signal number 1.
All fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal are advised to remain close to shore and be ready to seek shelter at short notice.
Day and night temperatures may increase slightly across the country today.
In a special notice issued Tuesday (October 22), the Meteorological Office stated that the depression, as of 6 am, was situated 785 km south-southwest of Chattogram, 700 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar, 820 km south-southeast of Mongla, and 760 km south-southeast of Payra seaports. The system is expected to continue moving and may develop into a cyclonic storm.
The Meteorological Department reported that the sustained wind speed around the depression center is 40 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h in gusts. The sea conditions are rough in the vicinity of the depression.
According to the weather forecast on Wednesday (October 23) said that light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur in most parts of Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions and some parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions.
Along with this, there may be moderate heavy rainfall in some parts of the country. Day and night temperatures may differ from 1 to 2 degrees across the country.
According to the weather forecast on Thursday (October 24), most places of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience light to moderate rain or thundershowers.
Along with this, there may be moderate heavy rainfall in some parts of the country. Day and night temperatures may differ from 1 to 2 degrees across the country.
Royal Enfield Launches 4 Models in Bangladesh, Starting at Tk3.4 Lakh
The long-awaited 350cc Royal Enfield motorcycles are now available for purchase in Dhaka, marking a major moment for motorbike enthusiasts.
The models, including the Bullet, Meteor, Hunter, and Classic, come in 12 different colors and were officially unveiled at Royal Enfield's flagship store in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Ifad Motors, the manufacturer and sole distributor of Royal Enfield motorcycles in Bangladesh, today (21 October) launched four 350cc models — Hunter, Classic, Bullet, and Meteor — of the iconic motorcycle brand, priced between Tk3.4 lakh and Tk4.35 lakh.
Hunter
The price of Hunter 350 will start from Tk3.4 lakh and may vary based on color variants.
Classic
The highest-selling and most popular Royal Enfield bike in India, the Classic 350's price will start from Tk4.05 lakh.
Bullet
Bullet 350's price will start from Tk4.10 lakh.
Meteor
The price of highway riders' favorite Meteor 350 will start from Tk4.35 lakh.
Pre-booking for the locally manufactured motorcycles started from today morning (22 October).
According to insiders, Ifad Motors, which opened the Royal Enfield flagship showroom in Dhaka city's Tejgaon area, will start delivering the motorcycles after 45 days.
Cyclone Dana Intensifies, Storm Alert in 8 Districts
The cyclone ‘Dana,’ located over the Bay of Bengal and adjacent west-central Bay, has intensified into a severe cyclone as it continues to move north-northwest. Currently, it is positioned 490 kilometers south-southwest of Payra seaport.
This update was provided in a special weather bulletin on Thursday morning.
According to the bulletin, between 1 PM today, heavy rain or thunderstorms with gusty winds blowing at 60 to 80 km/h from the south or southeast may temporarily affect areas in Jessore, Kushtia, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Comilla, and Chattogram.
The ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.
Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal and deep-sea areas have been instructed to seek safe shelter and remain there until further notice.
Weather experts predict that the cyclone's direct impact on Bangladesh will be limited. Instead, it is likely to make landfall along West Bengal or Odisha in India. However, districts in Khulna and Barishal regions may experience some effects, along with the possibility of rainfall across the entire country.
Dr Yunus Calls for International Conference to Solve Rohingya Crisis
Interim Government Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus urgently called for an international conference to ensure a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis and the 'safe and dignified' repatriation of the Rohingya population to Myanmar.
He made this call in a message given on the occasion of United Nations Day on Thursday (October 24).
Originally, UN Day was observed on 24 October to mark the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.
The United Nations officially came into existence on this day with the ratification of this founding document by a majority of the signatories of the Charter, including the five permanent members of the Security Council.
In a message given on the occasion of the day, Dr Yunus drew the attention of the United Nations to give 'urgent attention' to the Rohingya crisis. He said, "We cannot ignore those in Rakhine State (Myanmar) or Gaza who continue to suffer oppression, overthrow, and grave human rights violations."
The Chief Adviser said that including 40 thousand newly arrived Rohingyas, more than 1.3 million Rohingyas have taken shelter in Bangladesh, and said that Bangladesh calls on the United Nations to take final steps to protect civilian children, women, and men. At the same time, it also called for dialogue to ensure peace in Gaza Lebanon, and the wider region.
He said, "On this day, Bangladesh reiterates its commitment to work with the international community to build a more just and peaceful world for its common interests. At the same time, the commitment to achieve dignity and rights for all must be implemented."
On the occasion of the United Nations Day, Dr Muhammad Yunus extended his heartiest congratulations to all the men and women of the UN family around the world and reiterated his (Bangladesh's) commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter on behalf of the people of Bangladesh.
He also called for reforming the United Nations to make it more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to meet the aspirations of all people in an increasingly global context.
