57 people die from coronavirus in last 24 hours
57 people died after being infected with coronavirus in last 24 hours in the country. In this period 2,177 new coronavirus infected patients were traced in the country.
The information was delivered by the regular press release of the health directorate on Friday.
In the last 24 hours 20,842 samples were collected and total 21,046 samples were tested. With this new number of traced cases the number of total cases reached at 7,59,132. The number of total deaths has reached at 11,450. In this period 4,325 people recovered from the deadly disease and the number of recoveries has stood at 6,81,426.
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Gold prices cut by Tk 1750 per bhori
Bangladesh Jewellers' Association (Bajus) has fixed the new price of gold in the country's market.
Bajus said in a press release on Tuesday (March 19) that gold prices cut by 1.5 percent to Tk 111,158 a bhori (11.664 grammes) from the existing Tk 112,907 a bhori which is the highest in the history of Bangladesh.
The Bajus said in a statement that the new prices will be effective from Wednesday (March 20).
However, the annual demand for gold stands in between 20 tonnes and 40 tonnes.
Efforts underway to rescue hostage sailors: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said that maximum efforts are being made to free the sailors from the hands of Somali pirates.
He said this after paying a courtesy call on the UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh at his ministry on Tuesday.
Hasan Mahmud said all efforts are underway to bring back the seafarers safely from the hands of Somali pirates. However, it is not possible to say everything at the moment.
He also urged the media to be careful in this regard.
The foreign minister aslo said that around 200 Myanmar BGP members are staying in Bangladesh. Talks are underway with the Myanmar government to bring them back.
Police firmly committed to ensure smooth Eid journey: IGP
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said that police force are trying to ensure smooth and secured journey during Eid-ul-Fitr.
He said this during a courtesy call on the leaders of Crime Reporters Association Of Bangladesh (CRAB) at the Police Headquarters on Tuesday (March 19).
The IGP said all measures have been taken so that common people can reach their destinations during Eid. Besides, we have arranged security measures during Iftar, taraweeh and Sehri in such a way that the security of the common people is not hampered.
Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun said police officers across the country have been instructed to ensure the safety and services of the common people. Besides, zero tolerance policy against militancy, terrorism, extortion and drugs will continue.
CCECC Showcases Dredging Technology at Mongla Port Open Day
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation recently hosted an open day event at Mongla Port in Bangladesh, showcasing their advanced trailing suction hopper dredger "Xin Zi Lang 5".
The event, started on Tuesday aimed to raise awareness about marine engineering and share technology with the local community.
Over 400 people participated, including Mongla Port Authority officials, students, and teachers from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), and local primary and secondary schools.
Attendees were given tours of the dredger, learning about its operation and the importance of dredging projects in maintaining smooth waterway access for commercial vessels.
The "Xin Zi Lang 5," one of the most advanced dredgers in Bangladesh, arrived in 2021 and has already removed over 2.4 million cubic meters of dredged sand, ensuring the navigability of the Pussur Channel for commercial vessels of the Mongla Port, Dr AKM Anisur Rahman, member (Engineering) chief guest of the programme said.
Since 2018, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has played a significant role in maintaining Mongla Port. They've completed multiple dredging projects, ensuring smooth passage for commercial vessels, Sheikh Sowkat Ali, project director of the “Inner Bar Dredging of Mongla Port Channel’ said.
Students from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) were particularly excited about the event.
Asked about their impressions, students of KUET said they are excited to visit the largest and most advanced dredger working in the country.
Professor Shahjahan from KUET also acknowledged CCECC for its commitment to knowledge sharing. He highlighted the company's ongoing support for academic forums and research collaborations at the university.
“The event focused on CCECC's dedication to social responsibility in Bangladesh. They actively create job opportunities for local communities, participate in educational charity initiatives, and collaborate with universities on technological exchange programs” Steven Guo, project manager of CCECC said.
Through proper business practices and social contributions, CCECC has earned a strong reputation in the Bangladesh market, Steven Guo, manager of the project said.
These efforts have made CCECC a responsible and valuable partner in Bangladesh's economic and social progress, he added.
Dengue kills at least 20 patients in first three months
Last year, the highest number of people died of dengue in the country's history. But before the 'peak season' of dengue this year, 20 people died in the last two and a half months. In this situation, the dengue situation is expected to worsen.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the number of dengue patients exceeded 1,500 from January to March 19 this year. Of these, 20 people have died during this period. Among them nine were men and 11 were women.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen held a meeting with the mayors of the two city corporations of Dhaka on Tuesday (March 19) to discuss the issues to be taken to eliminate dengue and chikungunya.
The Health Minister has directed to keep all hospitals in the country ready to provide proper and timely treatment to dengue patients.
Somali pirates make first contact with MV Abdullah owners
Somali pirates have contacted with the owning company, Kabir Group, of the Bangladeshi-flagged ship MV Abdullah, nine days after they were taken hostage from the Indian Ocean.
Media Advisor of Kabir Group, Mizanul Islam, confirmed the matter on Wednesday (March 20). He said the pirates had started communicating. An atmosphere of discussion is being created.
The Somali pirates established the first contact after nine days of hijacking MV Abdullah with its 23 crew members.
Meanwhile, the news agency Reuters reported that the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) proposed a forceful rescue of the Bangladeshi ship and its 23 crew members. Somali police and the international navy are also preparing for the operation. However, KSRM, owned by MV Abdullah, has strongly opposed such a move. They want to resolve the crisis through negotiations.
High Commission of India hosted an Iftar in Dhaka
High Commission of India hosted an Iftar in Dhaka on 19 March 2024. The event was attended by over 400 distinguished guests from all walks of life including the government, legislature, judiciary, political parties, armed forces, civil society, academia, business, media and culture.
In his welcome remarks, High Commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted the significance of Iftar in promoting the spirit of brotherhood and humanity. He underlined the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Bangladesh and reaffirmed commitment to further enrich the special and multifaceted ties, which are rooted in the shared sacrifices of 1971. High Commissioner noted that the Iftar gathering also symbolized the deep bonds of people-to-people ties that form the very foundation of India-Bangladesh relations.
Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Minister of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh Md. Faridul Haque Khan was the guest of honour.