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Bottled Soybean Oil Suddenly Disappears in the Capital!
Rtv News
07 Dec 2024, 08:53
Photo: Collected
For several days, bottled soybean oil has been scarce in markets across the capital. The crisis has now intensified, with almost 90% of 1- and 2-liter bottles vanishing from shelves, leaving consumers frustrated.
Retailers report receiving only 10% of the required supply. Except for a few companies, most brands of bottled soybean oil are unavailable in the market, and the supply of the available brands is insufficient. The shortage is especially severe for 1- and 2-liter bottles.
Noman, a grocery store owner in Karwan Bazar, said, “For two weeks, I haven’t received bottled soybean oil in the quantities I need. This is affecting the sale of other goods as well. Companies and dealers are deliberately creating this situation to hike prices.”
Tofayel, a consumer looking for oil, shared, “I went to several stores but couldn’t find bottled soybean oil. Even where it’s available, they’re not selling it. I’m being forced to buy loose soybean oil at higher prices.”
Importers and distributors argue that the global market price hike has led to reduced supply. According to them, international prices have risen by 10 to 13 taka per liter, and imports have decreased by about 20% compared to demand.
Mohammad Khalilur Rahman Sajal, Executive Director of the Consumers Association, said, “Despite receiving tax reductions and other benefits, the suppliers have not lowered prices; instead, they’ve cut supply.”
He warned, “If the Ministry of Commerce doesn’t act now, the situation could become even more uncomfortable during the upcoming Ramadan.”
It’s worth noting that in October, the government reduced duties and taxes on the import of soybean and palm oil twice. Typically, lowering taxes on a product increases imports and reduces prices. However, instead of prices falling, the opposite trend has been observed in the domestic market.
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HSIA Enters New Era in 100 Days
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) witnessed a new wave of reform and renovation over the last 100 days of the interim government, promising a fresh chapter of dreams for both local travelers and expatriates.
With a special focus on serving expatriates- the unsung heroes of Bangladesh's economic progress- the initiatives mark a turning point for airport facilities, passenger convenience, and overall service excellence.
Expatriate Lounge:
One of the most heartfelt initiatives has been the launch of the Probashi Lounge, a dedicated HSIA space to provide a comfortable and respectful service to incoming and outbound migrant workers.
Officially inaugurated by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, the lounge offers rest areas, subsidized meals, and improved travel support.
Inaugurating the lounge Prof. Yunus assured that the government remains committed to honoring the migrant workers' contribution.
He emphasized upcoming initiatives, such as the introduction of e-passports for expatriates, a move designed to streamline the immigration process, reduce bureaucracy, and facilitate easier travel. Migrant workers and airport officials alike have widely praised the initiative.
Chief Adviser also inaugurated a spacious and comfortable waiting lounge on the second floor of the multilevel car parking area at the airport, designed to enhance convenience for expatriates and their families.
The initiative aims to accommodate expatriate workers and their companions who often arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled flight time, particularly those traveling from remote areas of the country.
The new waiting lounge offers a range of amenities, including dedicated waiting areas, a baby care room, separate prayer spaces for men and women, and a reasonably-priced cafeteria.
Elevating Expatriate Welfare:
Civil Aviation Authority has asked all airport staff to serve the esteemed expatriate workers with utmost respect and sincerity. It asked the staff to address the expatriates with 'Sir' and ensure a hassle-free service for all.
Over 40 airlines, government ministries, and private organizations are involved with this transformation, said Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan.
There is still work to be done to ensure the highest standards for our passengers, especially our expatriates, he said.
Luggage Delivery within One Hour:
HSIA's new measures ensured over 88 percent of luggage delivery within 15 to 55 minutes and appearing of the luggage on the conveyor belt within 18 minutes of a flight's arrival. This marks a dramatic reduction in waiting times, a chronic issue for travelers.
"Ensuring that passengers receive their luggage within a reasonable timeframe has been a major priority for us," HSIA's Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam said.
Testimony from the field:
Jahangir Alam, a returnee from Saudi Arabia shared his experience with BSS saying, the changes are tangible. After completing immigration, I found my luggage already on the belt."
In the past, we had to wait for hours for my luggage. Now, the process is much faster," he said.
Mahbub Hossain, a US-based Bangladeshi expatriate also echoed the same sentiment, saying, "I was able to leave the airport in no time. It was a refreshing change from the delays and hassles that I had experienced during my past visits."
Enhanced Airport Security:
Another key focus for HSIA was enhancing airport security. Stricter measures, increased vigilance, and advanced technology have all contributed to creating a safer and more secure travel environment.
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), in coordination with the existing Civil Aviation Authority's Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel, has made a notable contribution to enhancing security and facilitation services at the airport.
This collaboration aims to ensure full compliance with ICAO Annex 17 and Annex 9 standards, further boosting safety and efficiency.
Additionally, the immigration department has transitioned from a three-shift to a four-shift duty schedule, significantly improving the passenger experience for both arrivals and departures by reducing wait times and streamlining immigration procedures.
The airport has introduced 26 automated e-gates, streamlining immigration processes and significantly reducing passengers' waiting times.
"The automated e-gates are just one example of how we are modernizing our services to meet international standards," according to CAAB chairman.
More Innovations:
Beyond the expatriate lounge and luggage handling improvements, HSIA has introduced several other innovations designed to enhance passenger convenience and comfort.
One of the innovations is introducing a 24-hour hotline and a new web portal to allow passengers to easily access assistance and resolve complaints by calling the 13600 hotline anytime. Up-to-date information is also available on the website.
Free Wi-Fi internet service has been introduced for passengers to stay connected, especially if they do not have a local SIM card, allowing communication through platforms like WhatsApp.
Ten free telephone booths have been set up to facilitate free calls and communication for passengers.
Commitment to Hygiene:
Steps were taken to ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene among 450 personnel working in three shifts to keep the premises spotless. Mosquito control measures, including larvicide spraying and the release of fish to manage larvae in water bodies, demonstrate HSIA's commitment to a hygienic and comfortable environment for travelers.
Looking to the Future:
As HSIA prepares for the future, including the expansion of Terminal 3 with 26 additional boarding bridges and other world-class facilities, there is a sense of optimism about what lies ahead.
"Our vision is to transform HSIA into a hub that not only meets but exceeds international standards," the CAAB chairman said.
"We are proud of what we have achieved in these 100 days, but this is just the beginning. Our commitment to innovation and service excellence will continue to drive progress," he said.
Source: BSS
A Baby Girl Abducted Along with Valuables During Robbery
A baby girl has been abducted along with valuables during a robbery in the capital's Azimpur on Friday (November 15) morning.
A woman who was renting a sublet of that house took some outsiders with her and committed this incident.
According to police and family sources, the child's mother, Farzana Akhtar, works in the security service department of the Ministry of Home Affairs as a cashier. Her husband works in a private company. They live in a rented house near Lalbagh Tower in Azimpur. At around 9:30 am on Friday, Farzana got into a dispute with that woman. Then the woman brought some outsiders and slapped Farzana.
Subsequently, they took away various household goods, along with Farzana's child.
Lalbagh Division DC Jasim Uddin confirmed the matter. He said CCTV footage showed 3 people coming to that house. However, it was not seen whether the child was taken.
No formal complaint has been filed yet, but the incident has become widely known, and several police teams are working to apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, a colleague of Farzana posted a photo of the child on Facebook, saying: "A robbery occurred at my colleague Farzana's house in Azimpur Medical Staff Quarter, next to Lalbagh Tower. The robbers, consisting of one woman and two men, took away her belongings and her only child."
'Nabanna Utsab' Being Celebrated at Charukala
Today is 'Nabanna Utsab'. It is celebrated on the first day of the Bangla month of Agrahayan. Nabanna Utsab is a Bengali festival of harvesting new crops. Today (November 16), Nabanna Utsab is being observed amid festivity and fervor across the country.
The day is very significant for farmers of the country as they start harvesting new crops on the very first day of the Bengali month of Agrahayan after waiting for months.
The festival of bringing new crops home has been celebrated for centuries and has become an integral part of the tradition and culture.
Several programs are organized in the city including a cultural function at Bakultala of the Fine Arts Faculty at Dhaka University. With playing the flute from 7:30 in the morning, the festival begins and will continue till night. Bakultala of fine arts has become cheerful with Pithapuli, colorful costumes, mesmerizing sound of flutes, dance, songs, and so on.
Nabanna Utsab has been organized this year also under the motto 'Eso Mili Shobe Nabanna Utsab E'.
Nabanna Utsab is divided into two parts this year. The first part of the ceremony will continue from morning to noon. The performance of the second part will continue from 2 pm to 8:30 pm. Various organizations are presenting their content.
Jatiya Nabanna Utsab Udjapan Parishad, the celebration committee of the festival, organized the cultural function where artists performed folk songs, Lalon geeti, Tagore songs and dance to welcome the first day of Agrahayan.
Poets, painters, musicians, bauls, and people from all walks of life gathered on the university campus to celebrate the festival.
Biscuit Factory Fined Tk 2 Lakh For Unhygienic Conditions
District Task Force and Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection have fined Tk 2 lakh to Bangas Limited, one of the country's Biscuit and Bread Factory in Chuadanga for preparing food in an unhygienic condition.
On Sunday (November 17) afternoon, the operation was carried out at the factory of Chuadanga Bangas Limited with the help of the army.
Chuadanga Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Assistant Director Sajal Ahmed said, despite earlier warnings, the operation showed that bakery products were being produced in unsanitary and dirty environments. The workers who were working had no hand gloves. Prepared food was unsanitarily strewn across floors, with evidence of waste and dirty food being used in re-food preparation.
They were fined earlier for the same offense. For violating the law and committing the same crime again, the manager of the company, Fazlur Rahman, was fined Tk 2 lakh this time.
District Safe Food Officer Sajib Pal, the cab representative, student representative were in full cooperation in the campaign. An army team provided full cooperation to maintain law and order.
Titumir Students Block Railways, 2 Trains Stuck
The students of Government Titumir College blocked the roads and railway tracks in the capital's Mohakhali this morning (18 November), demanding the government upgrade the institution to a university. In this incident, 2 intercity trains on the line are stuck.
Bangladesh Railway's Dhaka Control Room confirmed the matter on Monday (November 18) around 12:30 pm.
It was informed from the control room that 2 intercity trains were stuck on the line in the Mohakhali area in the face of students' agitation. Among them, Agnibina Express to Tarakandi of Jamalpur from Dhaka and Banalata Express to Dhaka from Chapainawabganj.
Earlier, students tried to stop the Noakhali-Dhaka-bound inter-city train Upakul Express from crossing the Mohakhali railway crossing amid the blockade today. But they did not stop the train and threw bricks and stones at it. Some windows of the train were broken.
Incidentally, the students have been protesting by blocking the railway and road of Mohakhali since this morning demanding that the government Titumir College be converted into a university. As the rail communication across the country is closed due to their blockade, the movement of traffic in Mohakhali, Banani, and Jahangir Gate areas is completely blocked due to the students' position at the Mohakhali rail crossing.
Students Throw Bricks at Trains, Several Injured Including Children
The agitating students of Titumir College have blocked the road and rail crossing in Mohakhali demanding the government upgrade the institution to a university.
Due to this, rail communication was stopped. At that time they stopped two intercity trains and started pelting bricks. Several passengers inside the two trains, including children, were injured.
On Monday (November 18), the students started the movement by occupying the railway gate area of Mohakhali after 11:00 am.
According to the latest information, traffic has been completely blocked in Mohakhali, Banani, and Jahangir Gate areas due to the placement of students at railway crossing along with Mohakhali road. As a result, hundreds of passengers have suffered.
Eyewitnesses say that the students suddenly stood on the railway track without any restrictions and started agitating. At that time, the drivers were forced to stop the two intercity trains coming through the railway line. If the drivers had not stopped the train with caution, a terrible accident could have happened at Mahakhali. Many civilians, including hundreds of students, were feared dead.
In this regard, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Banani police station Md Russell said, the current condition of Mohakhali rail crossing is dire. Train services are completely stopped. Students are protesting by standing on the railway crossing. They stopped the train and threw bricks. Apart from this, due to their agitation, the traffic in Mohakhali, Banani, and Jahangir Gate areas has been completely stopped.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dhaka Railway Police Station Zainal Abedin said that we have come to know about the incident. Several teams of railway police are going to the spot.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Railway's Dhaka Control Room informed that two intercity trains were stuck on the line in Mohakhali area. They are Agnibina Express bound for Tarakandi of Jamalpur to Dhaka and Banalata Express bound for Dhaka to Chapainawabganj.
Railway Dhaka Divisional Superintendent of Police Anwar Hossain said that some people were injured in the attack on the Upakul Express. The exact number cannot be said at the moment. Rail communication with Dhaka is closed for now.
Bus-Pickup Collision in Tangail: 4 Dead
Four people were killed and one seriously injured in a collision between a bus and a pickup truck in Madhupur, Tangail. Among the deceased are the pickup driver and his assistant.
The accident occurred around 5 a.m. on Tuesday (November 19) in front of Malauri Government Primary School on the Tangail-Mymensingh highway.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed. However, it has been reported that the victims include the pickup driver and his assistant. Police arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report and recovered the bodies.
Following the accident, traffic on the road was temporarily disrupted. Police later restored normal conditions.
