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New Canadian Envoy Meets Foreign Adviser
Rtv News
28 Jan 2025, 10:01
Photo: Collected
Newly-appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh H. E. Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on Hon’ble Foreign Adviser, Ambassador Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats of the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka were also present at the meeting. The Foreign Adviser welcomed and congratulated H.E. Mr. Ajit Singh on his appointment as the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh.
They had elaborate discussions on key issues, including agricultural cooperation, trade & investment, financial sector, and Rohingya crisis. The Foreign Adviser mentioned the daunting challenges faced by Bangladesh in hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh and sought international cooperation including Canada’s strong support for their sustainable return to their homeland.
Ambassador Touhid Hossain requested expedited processing of Canadian visas for Bangladeshi nationals, with particular emphasis on student visas. The High Commissioner noted these concerns and assured maximum support in addressing them.
The two dignitaries expressed their reaffirmation to further strengthen the existing excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, capacity building, skill development, technical assistance, and people-to-people contact.
The Foreign Adviser assured the High Commissioner of full support from the Government of Bangladesh during his tenure to strengthen the Bangladesh-Canada partnership.
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Gas Pipeline Explosion in Habiganj, 4 Killed, 2 injured
Four individuals, including an engineer, were killed in an explosion at the gas substation line of Akij Group in Bahubal, Habiganj.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday (December 31) around 9:00 am.
The incident was confirmed by Bahubal Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahedul Islam.
Among the deceased, the identities of two have been confirmed. Their names are Mizan Gazi and Mahfuz.
It has been reported that both of them were workers at the factory. They were residents of Chandpur.
Regarding the incident, OC Zahedul Islam said, "The explosion occurred around 9:00 am, claiming the lives of two people on the spot. Four others, who were seriously injured, were sent to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College. I have heard that two more succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital."
Attack on 'March for Unity' Convoy, Bagherhat Turns Into a Battlefield
Reports have emerged of an attack on the convoy of the anti-discrimination student movement's 'March for Unity' in Mollahat, Bagherhat.
The incident occurred around 11:30 am on Tuesday (December 31) in Mollahat.
It has been reported that 25 buses carrying students departed from Khulna Metropolitan City for Dhaka earlier in the morning. When the convoy reached the Madrasa Ghat area of Mollahat in Bagherhat, local assailants threw stones at the vehicles and stopped them, assaulting several people.
As the students retaliated, the area quickly turned into a battlefield. The clash lasted for an hour, with reports of at least 20 people injured. Police and military forces are working to bring the situation under control.
The students stated that the attackers, who were already prepared, launched the assault as the convoy passed through Mollahat around 11:30 am. They also alleged that local residents supported the attackers.
Despite the incident taking place near the police station, the students claimed the police remained inactive.
Regarding the incident, Jahurul Tanvir, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Movement in Khulna, said, "Our convoy was peacefully heading to Dhaka from Khulna. Along the way, we were attacked, leaving many injured. This attack was orchestrated by collaborators of the fascist government."
He further added, "The attack was premeditated. However, no obstacle can deter us from our goal. Our brothers have shed their blood. Justice must be served promptly, and those responsible must be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment. Otherwise, the students themselves will identify and take action against the perpetrators."
EC Working Towards National Elections, Not Local Ones
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), A M M Nasir Uddin has stated that the Election Commission (EC) is working with a focus on national elections rather than local ones.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday (December 31) after a discussion meeting with election officials at the Cumilla Regional Election Office, the CEC shared this information.
Nasir Uddin mentioned, "From the very beginning, major political parties have been demanding national parliamentary elections. They have not emphasized local government elections. Hence, we are preparing for the national parliamentary elections instead of local government ones. We hope to complete the voter list by March 2. After necessary updates and corrections, the finalized voter list will be published. We are committed to delivering a free and fair election to the nation."
The CEC further stated that the election schedule has not yet been set by the commission. Preparations are being made following the Chief Adviser’s statement. However, it will become clearer when the elections will take place once the commission receives reports from various reform committees, including the Election Commission Reform Committee.
The Chief Election Commissioner, A M M Nasir Uddin, attended a meeting regarding the voter list update and preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. This meeting involved the regional election officer at the Cumilla Regional Election Office, covering Cumilla, Noakhali, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Feni, and Brahmanbaria districts. The discussions included preparations for updating the voter list and other related matters with senior district election officers, additional district election officers, and upazila election officers.
The meeting was chaired by Cumilla Regional Election Officer Md. Dulal Talukder.
CEC's personal secretary Md. Ashraful Alam; Deputy Project Director (Database) of the Election Commission Secretariat, Major Md. Mamunur Rashid; and other election officials working in the Cumilla region at both the district and upazila levels were also present at the meeting.
Dense Fog Engulfs Dhaka; Vehicles Use Headlights
Dhaka is shrouded in dense fog, forcing vehicles to use headlights even during the day. The cold winds have intensified the chill, while the sun remains hidden despite the advancing day.
Visibility was significantly reduced from early morning, disrupting daily activities and traffic movement.
Areas like Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon, Mohakhali, Uttara, Airport, and Khilkhet were heavily affected, with moderate to dense fog observed across the city.
Objects at a distance were hard to see, and although the fog eased slightly later in the day, the cold felt sharper than usual.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s forecast at 7 AM predicted moderate to dense fog over Dhaka and surrounding areas for the next six hours, with northwesterly winds at 6–12 km/h and partly cloudy skies.
Nationwide, dense fog is expected to intensify the winter chill during the day, potentially disrupting air, river, and road transportation.
32 Bhori of Stolen Gold Recovered, 2 Arrested
Police have arrested two suspects linked to the theft of 40 Bhori of gold from a residential locker in Adabor, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Authorities have recovered 32 Bhori of the stolen gold, though the identities of the arrested individuals remain undisclosed.
The looting incident occurred late Friday night (January 3) at a house on Road No. 16 in Adabor.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Adabor Police Station confirmed the arrests on Saturday (January 4).
He stated that 32 Bhori of gold has been recovered, and two individuals have been detained in connection with the case.
He also stated that efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining gold and further investigate the incident.
Drug Smuggler Killed in Gunfight with Coast Guard Near Teknaf
A gunfight occurred between the Coast Guard and drug smugglers on Friday night (January 3) in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. One drug smuggler was reportedly killed in the incident. Additionally, 16 individuals involved in drug trafficking and robbery were detained, along with the seizure of weapons.
On Saturday (January 4), the incident was confirmed by Mohammad Jalal Uddin, Contingent Commander of the Coast Guard Teknaf Station.
During the operation, three firearms and 10,000 Yaba tablets were recovered. The gunfight took place early Saturday near the Naf River estuary close to Shah Pori's Island in the Sabrang Union. The deceased, Mosleh Uddin (35), was a resident of Charfashion in Bhola district.
The Coast Guard has not disclosed the identities of the detainees. Among them, 11 are Bangladeshi nationals, and five are Rohingyas.
Commander Jalal Uddin stated that early in the morning, Coast Guard members spotted a trawler arriving from Myanmar near the Naf River estuary. When instructed to stop, the individuals on the trawler opened fire at the Coast Guard members, who retaliated in self-defense. One drug smuggler was killed during the gunfight. The trawler was later intercepted, and 16 individuals were detained. Three homemade firearms, three bullets, and 10,000 Yaba tablets were seized. The body was handed over to Teknaf Police Station.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Teknaf Model Police Station, Mohammad Gias Uddin, said the body of the deceased drug smuggler was sent to the morgue at Cox's Bazar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Dhaka's Air is 'Hazardous' Today, Caution Advised
Air pollution in the capital continues to rise. Especially during the winter season, the level of pollution increases significantly, often placing Dhaka at the top of the list of polluted cities. This winter is no exception, as Dhaka once again ranks at the top of the world's most polluted cities.
On Sunday, January 5, at 8:05 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a score of 422 for Dhaka. This level of air quality is categorized as 'hazardous' or 'risky.'
Following Dhaka, Baghdad in Iraq holds the second position with an AQI score of 228, Hanoi in Vietnam ranks third with a score of 223, and Delhi in India is in fourth place with a score of 204.
According to the data, an AQI score from 0 to 50 is considered good. Scores from 51 to 100 are deemed moderate, while scores between 101 and 150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Scores from 151 to 200 are considered unhealthy, 201 to 300 are very unhealthy, and any score above 301 is categorized as 'hazardous' or 'risky.'
Air pollution poses a serious health risk, affecting people of all ages. However, it is particularly harmful to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Experts attribute Dhaka's air pollution to brick kilns, vehicle emissions, and dust from construction sites. The consequences of air pollution include increased risks of respiratory problems, coughing, lower respiratory infections, and depression.
Notably, IQ Air, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring technology company, publishes this list of polluted cities. The AQI score, prepared daily, informs the public about the cleanliness or pollution level of a city's air and the potential health risks they might face.
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