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Mahfuj Calls For Pragmatic Foreign Policy to Strengthen Bangladesh's Global Standing
Rtv News
29 Dec 2024, 19:56
Photo: Collected
Interim government Adviser Mahfuj Alam has emphasized the need for a "pragmatic relationship" with all nations, steering away from the "submissive foreign policy" observed in the past.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mahfuj outlined the government's approach to bolstering Bangladesh's global presence by enhancing its capacity for international negotiations.
"We aim to increase our bargaining strength in the global arena," he stated following his participation in a foreign policy dialogue titled "Establishing New Bangladesh: Internal Reforms and Foreign Policy." The event was moderated by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
Mahfuj highlighted the importance of strengthening national security, integrity, and sovereignty while pursuing balanced and calculated foreign policy decisions. "There is no room for reckless steps in our foreign policy. The interim government will make measured and pragmatic decisions," he assured.
The Adviser also underscored that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must prioritize Bangladesh's national interests over the agendas of any political parties or groups.
Responding to a query about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, Mahfuj described the situation as a political decision by the Indian government. "We have heard that she will not be handed over," he noted.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam also attended the dialogue, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the interim government in addressing internal reforms and foreign policy challenges.
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin concluded by announcing plans for a series of dialogues on foreign policy, aimed at ensuring Bangladesh's sustainable development and global engagement.
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Gold Price Today (December 3)
Since gold is an imported material, its price tends to fluctuate almost daily in Bangladesh. The price is determined accurately by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The latest prices of gold in Bangladesh as of December 3, 2024, are as follows:
The price of per bhori (11.66 grams) of 22-carat gold is 137,227 BDT.
The price of per bhori of 21-carat gold is 130,998 BDT.
The price of per bhori of 18-carat gold is 112,289 BDT.
The price of per bhori of traditional gold is 92,134 BDT.
These prices were last updated on Sunday, December 1, 2024, by Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS).
India Should Acknowledge Bangladesh's New Reality: Mahfuz Alam
Interim government adviser Mahfuz Alam has stated that India must recognize Bangladesh's new reality and unequivocally acknowledge the July uprising and the democratic struggle of students and citizens in Bangladesh. He emphasized that this recognition should be the starting point. Ignoring the July uprising while shaping the foundations of the new Bangladesh would harm relations between the two countries.
He expressed these views in a verified Facebook post on Wednesday, December 4, at around 6:00 AM.
In his post, Mahfuz Alam urged India to move beyond its post-1975 playbook and embrace the new reality in Bangladesh. He stressed that this is no longer the post-1975 scenario.
He described the July revolution as a democratic, generational, and responsible movement, which will persist for a long time.
"The people of Bangladesh are no longer the same; they are now united and dignified. They will fight for their honor until their last breath," he wrote.
Alam warned that some India-friendly factions within Bangladesh assume the situation will stabilize and believe that ignoring the July revolution and the atrocities of the fascists will have no repercussions. "This is a misconception," he said. "People are watching everything!"
He accused Indian agencies of attempting to portray the July revolution as a power grab by militants, anti-Hindu forces, and Islamists. However, he noted, such propaganda and provocation are failing.
The adviser further wrote that slogans like "Delhi or Dhaka? Dhaka, Dhaka!" and "Homeland or Martyrdom!" are echoing across every corner of the country, uniting Bangladesh as a singular entity.
He cautioned India against turning this unified, dignified, and democratic Bangladesh into an adversary.
Highlighting that Bangladeshis are enjoying democratic rights without obstruction for the first time in nearly two decades, he stated, "Truth has emerged... and falsehood will be destroyed. Forever!"
Expressing firm resolve, Mahfuz Alam declared, "After 1971, we failed as a state. But not this time! Trust in Allah!"
Take Trip Ltd Celebrates 1st Anniversary
Take Trip Limited, a concern of US Bangla Group, celebrated its first anniversary yesterday 05 December 2024.
Serving its over 4500+ B2B clients, Take Trip Limited, in its short journey has become a major OTA (Online Travel Agent) in the Bangladesh travel market. It is committed to providing its clients with the best service along with providing access to industry-leading technology, which includes NDC and direct API of airlines such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, US Bangla, Air Astra, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Salam Air and many more.
The Take Trip team celebrated the event yesterday with its airline partners and esteemed guests.
Trade Fair in January: How to Get Tickets
The 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) will commence on January 1, 2025, and run throughout the month. For the first time, tickets for the event will be available online.
The fair will be held at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BBCFEC) in Purbachal, Dhaka.
Bibek Sarkar, Secretary of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Director of the Trade Fair, confirmed this information to the media.
Key Highlights of the Fair:
The fair will be inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government at 10 am on January 1.
This year's theme highlights the sacrifices made during the July-August mass uprising, with special memorial corners named after Shaheed Abu Sayeed and Shaheed Mir Mugdha.
A Youth Pavilion will focus on engaging the younger generation, and a dedicated area for senior citizens will ensure comfortable seating for elderly visitors.
Facilities for Women Entrepreneurs:
Stalls will be allocated to women entrepreneurs at a lower cost, enabling them to sell products at affordable prices.
Fair Design and Features:
The entrance will showcase a theme inspired by the July-August mass uprising, while the fairground will highlight the EPB’s activities and various financial sectors.
Online Ticketing System:
For the first time, visitors can purchase tickets online through an app, allowing entry by scanning a QR code on their phones.
Tickets will still be available at physical counters, including BRTC bus counters.
Ticket Pricing:
Entry fees remain unchanged
Adults: 50 BDT
Children: 25 BDT
Transportation and Parking:
A dedicated BRTC bus service will operate from Kuril Flyover to the fairground daily from 8 am to 10 pm.
Ample parking facilities will be available to minimize visitor inconvenience.
Security Measures:
The fair will be secured by members of the police, RAB, and the army, with mobile courts also in operation.
International Participation:
Companies from countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore are expected to participate, with a total of 350 stalls.
Preparations for the event are nearly complete, with about 80% of the work finished, according to Bibek Sarkar.
Notably, the 29th edition of the upcoming trade fair will include 350 stalls and participation from various organizations from India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
For this year's event, members of the police, RAB, and armed forces will be engaged in ensuring overall security. Additionally, mobile courts will also be in operation.
Moreover, the fair center will feature extensive parking facilities to ensure visitors face no inconvenience.
The Touch of Winter, The Season of Peace
At the end of the year, when winter arrives, our hearts are immersed in a new feeling. The misty winter mornings, dewdrops on the grass, the cold breeze, and the gentle chill in the air seem to present the aesthetic beauty of nature. This season carries the unique message of gentleness and tranquility.
Winter gives nature a new form. When the first rays of the sun break through the mist and spread light around, nature becomes even more enchanting. The winter vegetables scattered in the fields, the yellow glow of mustard flowers, and the dew collected on the branches of trees add a new dimension of peace to our minds. The mild cold breeze of winter nights seems to freeze the world; everything slows down, and the birds slowly emerge from their nests.
Winter also means a feast of food. Hot pitha (traditional sweets), steamed pitha, date juice kheer, and chitoi pitha make this season even more memorable. The taste of pitha with hot tea in the winter morning creates a unique sense of unity with nature. The winter food festivals on the city streets, with a variety of pithas and sweets, double our joy.
However, alongside this gentleness of winter, the severity of the cold brings hardship to the poor. Without warm clothing, their lives become unbearable. Therefore, standing by the poor and helpless at this time is our social and humanitarian duty. Distributing warm clothes, and blankets, or organizing winter relief efforts not only alleviates their suffering but also serves as a shining example of human compassion.
Winter is also deeply connected with our culture and heritage. In rural Bengal, during this time, gatherings for Jari, Sari, Baul songs, and Marfati-Murshidi songs take place. In the past, this was also the season when theatrical performances and folk dramas would flourish. Although these traditions have faded somewhat, their bright presence in our memories remains unblemished.
A special feature of winter is the unique adornment of nature. The beauty of roses, jasmine, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and bakul flowers surpasses the harshness of the season, adding an extraordinary charm. Just as winter decorates our lives in a new form, it also reminds us of our sense of responsibility towards society.
Winter is the season of peace and joy. It brings with it the aesthetic beauty of nature and the message of humanity. We can all share this gift of nature, especially if we stand by those suffering in the cold. By enjoying winter and fulfilling our duties, winter will truly become a season of joy for everyone.
Bottled Soybean Oil Back to Market After Price Hike
"For the past few days, shopkeepers kept saying the same thing—bottled soybean oil has been unavailable. However, if it was found in rare places, it was claimed a high price. However, today (December 10), I see a completely different scenario in the market. Every shop has plenty of oil. That means whatever happened till now was nothing but a scheme by the syndicate to hold people hostage," said Mansura Hossain, a private-sector employee while shopping for daily essentials in Karwan Bazar.
Expressing her frustration, Mansura said, "Prices of essential commodities are often raised under the pretext of shortages, causing hardships for ordinary people like us. We are forced to buy at higher prices."
Al-Amin, a CNG driver, said, "Yesterday morning I returned empty-handed because there was no 1-liter bottled soybean oil. But today, bottled soybean oil is available everywhere. Does this make any sense? Are they free to do whatever they want without any accountability?"
The CNG driver further alleged, "If there was a shortage, then where did all this oil suddenly come from? Or are the traders orchestrating this to hike the prices? The government should investigate the real reason behind this."
On Tuesday morning (December 10), a visit to the capital's Karwan Bazar area revealed shelves overflowing with bottled soybean oil. However, as the new price-adjusted oil had not yet arrived, consumers were still able to buy at the previous rates.
Speaking to several retailers, the reporter stated that after the announcement of the price hike, dealers increased the supply of oil in the market. However, oil at the new price has not yet been supplied in the market. As a result, consumers are buying 1-liter bottled soybean oil for 167 BDT and a 5-liter bottle for 818 BDT.
Retailers also mentioned that from Wednesday (December 11), the new oil will arrive in the market and will be sold at 175 BDT per liter.
Earlier, on Monday (December 9), Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced an increase in the price of both bottled and loose soybean oil per liter an 8 BDT.
He said the price of bottled soybean oil has been set at 175 BDT per liter, while loose soybean oil is priced at 157 BDT per liter.
Citing the increase in prices on the international market, the advisor added, "The primary reason for the price hike is the supply shortage of edible oil globally."
Panchagarh Shivers as Temperature Drops to 9°C
The northern district of Panchagarh is shivering at the lowest temperature. The dense fog combined with biting cold has left the entire region in distress. With the intense chill and freezing winds, the temperature has dropped to 9°C.
On Friday (13 December) at 6:00 am, the temperature at the Tetulia Weather Observation Center in the district was recorded at 9°C. Previously, on Thursday at 9:00 am, the temperature in this district was recorded at 12.6°C.
The Meteorological Department states that when the temperature ranges between 8.1 and 10°C, it is classified as a mild cold wave. According to this definition, a mild cold wave is currently sweeping over Panchagarh.
Jitendra Nath, the in-charge of the Tetulia Weather Observatory, said, "The temperature has dropped to 9°C. At 6:00 am today, it was recorded at 9°C. This is classified as a mild cold wave. Although the sun was visible through the fog in the morning, the northern region continues to shiver under the cold wave accompanied by chilly winds."
