Emigration ban of 6 former Ministers and 8 MPs
The court banned the emigration of a total of 14 people, including 6 former ministers and 8 parliament members of the ruling Awami League government.
Because of ACC's application today, the court of Dhaka's Senior Special Judge As Samch Jaglul Hossain gave this order.
ACC Public Prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir confirmed the matter on Thursday (August 29).
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Dr Yunus's Tk666cr Tax Payment Verdict Revoked
The court revoked the order to pay Tk666 crore demanded by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) from Yunus-owned Grameen Kalyan.
On Thursday (October 3), the relevant bench sources informed this. Justice Mohammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar and Justice Sardar Rashed Jahangir's High Court bench have withdrawn the verdict.
It is known that a judge of the High Court felt embarrassed while writing the judgment that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) should pay Tk 666 crore for the rural welfare of Muhammad Yunus. Later, the High Court revoked the judgment given on August 4. The document was then sent to the Chief Justice.
On August 4, Justice Mohammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar and Justice Sardar dismissed the petition challenging the legality of NBR's tax claim of 666 crore rupees. Rashed Jahangir High Court Bench. As a result, Dr. Yunus was required to pay Rs 666 crore to the government.
Incidentally, on March 11, the Appellate Division directed the High Court to settle the tax claim of Tk666 crore from Grameen Kalyan within 3 months.
Online Income Tax Return Filing Number Exceeded 50,000
From this system, taxpayers can pay taxes through Internet banking, card payment (debit or credit card), and mobile banking and get the facility of downloading and printing copies of submitted returns, receipts, income tax certificates, and TIN certificates. You can also download and print the e-return filed for the previous year.
Spontaneous and motivated taxpayers have already used the e-return option on the National Board of Revenue (NBR) portal till October 2 due to its ease and convenience. As a result, the number of online income tax return filings has crossed 50,000.
NBR Director (Public Relations) Syed A Mu'men told the media that the e-return registration process has already been made more tax-payer-friendly. A biometric SIM registered with a taxpayer's national identity card is required for successful registration. To verify whether the number used by the taxpayer is biometrically registered or not, dial *16001#.
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said that all transactions of NBR will be converted into digital form so that taxpayers can get fast and quality services. That is why our activities are ongoing.
He further said that NBR will work towards digital transformation in the coming months, e-return service center is a part of that.
NBR congratulates those taxpayers who have already successfully filed their income tax returns online. Besides, the organization has humbly requested other individual taxpayers to file income tax returns online using the portal on time.
Incidentally, the National Board of Revenue has set up a call center to assist taxpayers with any issues related to e-returns. Last September 12, taxpayers got immediate solutions to e-return-related queries by calling call center number 09643717171. Besides, taxpayers can report any problem related to e-return in writing and get solutions from the e-tax service option of www.etaxnbr.gov.bd.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy Hires U.S. Lobbyist for $200,000
Key Highlights:
Joy Hires U.S. Lobbyist: Sajeeb Wazed Joy hires a U.S. lobbyist for $200,000 to represent the Awami League
Six-Month Contract: The contract will focus on informing U.S. policymakers about Bangladesh’s situation
Lobbying in Politics: Both Awami League and BNP-Jamaat have used lobbyists to influence U.S. views on Bangladesh
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has hired a U.S. lobbyist for $200,000. The CEO of Wazed Incorporation, Joy signed a contract with Robert Stryk, Chairman of Stryk Global Diplomacy. The firm will represent the Awami League, presenting Bangladesh's recent situation to the U.S. executive and judicial branches. The contract is for six months.
Lobbyist contracts regarding Bangladesh are frequently discussed in the political arena. For over 15 years, Sheikh Hasina and other top Awami League leaders have accused the BNP-Jamaat alliance of hiring lobbyists to increase U.S. influence in Bangladesh's politics.
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled the country to India, with top Awami League leaders either in hiding or arrested. To address the situation, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former ICT Advisor to the Prime Minister, hired a U.S. lobbyist. The contract with Stryk Global Diplomacy was published on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website.
Documents show that the firm will advocate for the Awami League and inform U.S. policymakers about the current situation in Bangladesh. The six-month contract, valued at $200,000, was signed on September 12.
In 2004, Sajeeb Wazed Joy first signed a contract with a lobbying firm called "Alcatel and Fa," which claimed that the BNP was promoting extremism and that the Awami League would counter it if in power. In 2019, the BNP signed contracts with several lobbying firms, including Bluelight Strategies, accusing the Awami League of undermining democracy.
Lobbyist firms in the U.S. play a key role in promoting markets, whether for tea, ready-made garments, or other products. The U.S. Department of Justice's website lists at least 376 lobbying files related to Bangladesh.
163 Villages Inundated in Sherpur, Mymensingh
Heavy rains and landslides caused flash floods in several parts of Sherpur and Mymensingh. At least 113 villages in Sherpur's Nalitabari, Sreebardi, and Jhenaigati upazilas and 50 villages in Mymensingh's Dhobaura were inundated. Bhogai and Chellakhali dams are breaking and water is overflowing.
The water level of both rivers started rising last Thursday evening. Garakanda and Nichpara areas of the municipality including Poragaon, Nayabil, Ramchandrakura, and Baghber Union were flooded during the night. Upazila Parishad Square, Sadar Bazar, and lower areas of 40 villages have been inundated in Jhenaigati.
On Friday, around 5,000 people were stranded due to an abnormal rise in the water in the Maharshi and Someswari rivers. About 2,000 people in 13 Rani Shimul and Singabaruna Union villages bordering Sreebardi Upazila of Sherpur have become waterlogged due to heavy rains and landslides. Many roads were submerged in torrential water and traffic was stopped. Aman paddy's fields are submerged.
Meanwhile, at least 50 villages of the upazila have been flooded due to heavy rains and landslides in Dhobaura of Mymensingh, breaking the Netai River dam.
Akhlaq Ul Jamil, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board, said that due to heavy rains, the Netai River dam was damaged and several areas were flooded. If the rain subsides, the area's water level will likely recede in the next two days. Later the damaged dam will be rebuilt.
Dhobaura Upazila Executive Officer Nishat Sharmin said that the people's representatives of the areas where water has entered have been asked to arrange shelter in primary schools. Actions will be taken to help the victims after the inquiry.
Traffic Congestion in Dhaka / Wasting Around 82,00,000 Working Hours Daily
The traffic congestion in the capital city is wasting around 8.2 million working hours daily. Massive use of private vehicles is responsible for the lack of order on the roads and thus, people cannot enjoy the advantage of rising public transport.
Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association Secretary General Mozammel Haque Chowdhury revealed this at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday (October 6) at 11 o'clock.
In his written speech, he said, "The citizens of the capital are stuck in a terrible traffic jam because of the lack of respect for the rules and regulations of the passengers. It takes more than 4 to 5 hours to go from one end of the city to another. 8.2 million working hours of working people are wasted every day in Dhaka's traffic jams. BUET's information says that the financial loss in this traffic jam is Tk50,000cr every year.
He said, "The capital's public transport system has been broken for ages. Buses and mini-buses operating in the city are discolored with no rear light indicators and front-looking glasses. Can't sit on the seat with two legs apart. The footrests and catch handles are broken, have to stand for long periods. During the hot summer days, the bus is drenched in sweat, and in the rainy season, the bus is still drenched in rain. There is no cleanliness in any buses. Buses are not available at the right time even after enduring the agony of getting on and off the dirty, infested, cockroach-infested buses."
Mozammel further said, 'In such a reality, the able-bodied are buying private cars by taking loans. Others have turned to motorcycle ride-sharing, auto-rickshaws, easy bikes, e-bikes, and smaller vehicles like ride-hailing. As a result, 4,00,000 pedal-powered rickshaws, 6,00,000 battery-powered rickshaws and easybikes, 1,34,000 small ride-sharing vehicles, 30,000 CNG-powered auto-rickshaws are moving freely in the city, along with chaotic buses, the traffic congestion and crowding of the city are increasing extremely. On the other hand, the traffic system to control these vehicles is still outdated. After the change of government, 4,000 traffic police in the city are still inactive. In this situation, modern engineering traffic control system needs to be introduced on an urgent basis to reduce traffic congestion."
"According to BRTA's information, an average of 800 small vehicles are coming down in the capital every day. According to a JICA survey, 60 percent of the daily average 40 million trip passengers travel in Dhaka metropolis use public transport. 67 percent of these passengers use buses only. However, the quality of passenger service of Dhaka City Bus has been lacking quality for the last 20 years. To reduce the traffic congestion in Dhaka, the bus-minibus system must be fixed first. The registration of small vehicles and the movement of these vehicles on the main roads of the city should be stopped," he further added.
Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity has demanded to improve city services in Dhaka city by providing a bus route rationalization system with privileged lanes, removing small vehicles including rickshaws, and easy bikes from the main roads of the city, and scientifically controlling the traffic system.
No Security Threat During 'Durga Puja', Still We Are Cautious: IGP
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mainul Islam said that there is no security concern in the upcoming 'Durga Puja'.
He said this to reporters after visiting Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Monday (October 7) afternoon.
The IGP said that there is no fear of any terrorist attack during the puja. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert. There is no room for any kind of chaos and inactivity.
He also said that Ansar has been deployed in important Puja Mondops. They will be deployed in all puja Mondops from Tuesday. Other police patrols and striking forces will be deployed. Armed forces are deployed in all districts.
Moinul Islam said, there is no opportunity for inactivity anywhere. Cyber monitoring has been strengthened. 999 is always on. A special control room will monitor the security of the puja from across the country.
He said that control rooms have been launched in each upazila, district, and police headquarters. Action will be taken immediately if anyone wants to create disturbance anywhere, in any Pujamondop.
Lalmonirhat Magistrate Tapashee Tabassum Urmi Suspended
Tapashee Tabassum Urmi, an executive magistrate in the Lalmonirhat district administration, has been suspended temporarily after being On Special Duty (OSD).
A notification was issued in this regard from the Ministry of Public Administration on Monday (October 7).
Previously Urmi was making controversial comments on the social media Facebook about Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of the interim government.
It is to be noted that, Tapashee wrote on Facebook on Saturday (October 05): "The chief adviser of the constitutionally baseless interim government has said a reset button has been pushed. The past is erased. He deleted all the history of the country by clicking a reset button. So simple. The countdown has begun for you, sir."
Mansur Hossain, public relations officer of the Ministry of Public Administration, said that Assistant Commissioner Tapashee Tabassum Urmi has been suspended after OSD. At the same time, the process of taking departmental action against her has been initiated.