Former Communications Minister, ex-lawmaker and valiant Freedom Fighter Syed Abul Hossain died of cardiac arrest at a city hospital early today at the age of 72. "The former minister breathed his last around 2:05am on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at United Hospital in the city", family sources said. He is survived by wife, two daughters and a host of relatives and admirers. As his children are now abroad, the decision about his burial would be taken after their returns to the country. Abul Hossain was elected lawmaker from Madaripur-3 constituency in 1991 as an Awami League candidate. Then he was also elected lawmakers for another three times. He served as communications minister of the government led by the Awami League from 2009 to 2012. He was born in Madaripur district in 1951.

Resource persons assembled at an international conference on “Arabic Language and Literature: Learning, Teaching and Translation” at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) on Friday and emphasised on the significance of intercultural communication in transforming the world into a “global village”. “The world has become a global village owing to fast communication. This communication has led to language and cultural exchanges that have resulted in mutual understanding, tolerance, peace, brotherhood and integration,” stated Dr Eassa Ali Mohammed Ali of the department of Translation, College of Languages, Sana’a University, Yemen, while addressing the inaugural session of the international conference at USTM. Underlining intercultural communication as a means to avoid conflict caused by diversity at different levels,” Dr Ali said, “Intercultural communication is essential in the current era as it makes us, as individuals and groups, understand the importance of peaceful coexistence and appreciate other people’s cultures, practices, habits, beliefs and so on. In this multilingual and multicultural universe, we have easily formed, fostered and improved relationships with each other.” The conference, organised by USTM in collaboration with Assam University, Silchar, was chaired by Mohammed Basheer K, head of the Department of Arabic, Assam University, Silchar. The guests of honour in the inaugural session were Fatma Rashed Salem Al Maamari, head of the Cultural Relations, Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, Oman and Eassa Ali Mohammed Ali. Four presentations on learning, teaching and translation of language and literature were made by the resource persons in the subsequent sessions of the conference. To start with, Fatma Rashed Salem Al Maamari made an interesting presentation on the “Importance of Language and Culture in a Global Perspective”, which was followed by another insightful presentation by Eassa Ali Mohammed Ali on “Integrity and Brotherhood through Language and Cultural Exchange”. On the other hand, Abbas KP, assistant professor, Farook College, Kerala, gave a presentation on the topic “Unique Attributes of Arabic Language”, while Ubaidur Rahman, a research scholar at Aliah University, Kolkata, made a presentation on “Language as a Bridge for Literary Enrichment”. Earlier, the conference began with the felicitation of guests and resource persons followed by a welcome address by USTM vice-chancellor G.D Sharma.  The conference culminated with an engaging interactive session between the resource persons, students and faculty members of USTM, was also held after the presentations.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has completed the transfer of technology (ToT) of a novel free-space optical communication system to the telecom industry. The advanced communication system uses wavefront modulated light beams for wireless error-free data transmission through free space rather than through optical fibre. Prof Bosanta Ranjan Boruah has developed the technology Department of Physics, IIT Guwahati, and Dr Santanu Konwar, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Abhayapuri College, Assam. The technology has been granted with US patent 10,673,525 dated June 2, 2020, Japanese patent JP, 6998868 dated Dec 23, 2021, and Korean patent 10-2483858 dated Dec 28, 2022.   Regarding the technology transfer, Prof. Bosanta Ranjan Boruah said, "Free space optical communication is likely to play a crucial role in the coming days both in the case of indoor applications and outdoor especially in the defence sector.We will look forward to meeting the challenges as our technology is adapted to serve society." The research team has experimentally demonstrated the distortion-free transmission of text messages and images in a laboratory environment, even in turbulence and outside the laboratory. The communication system can thus be used for high-speed and secured communication between two remote sites in the line of sight with virtually no possibility of any unauthorised interception. Speaking on occasion, Hardik Soni, CTO and Co-Founder of Nav wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd., said, "NavTech is the pioneer and leading technology company in India researching Optical Wireless technologies – LiFi | FSO, developing applications, and manufacturing LiFi & FSO products and solutions. We are glad to join hands with one of India's premier technology institutions to develop Optical Wireless technology further." Source:Gplus

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said her government is working tirelessly for overall development of the communication system as Bangladesh's advancement was largely dependent on it.    "It is mostly needed to uplift the communication system for ensuring development of Bangladesh. That's why, we are trying our best to do so," she said. The premier said this while inaugurating the country's first ever six-lane Modhumoti Bridge in Narail and the third Shitalakhya Bridge named after valiant Freedom Fighter AKM Nasim Osman in Narayanganj through a videoconferencing from her office here. She said, "The two newly inaugurated bridges will play an important role in the development of Bangladesh and immensely intensify the country's socio-economic advancement."  The prime minister said she is very happy to open the two bridges and greeted Japan and Saudi Arabia for their help in constructing those.   She said she named the Kalna Bridge as Modhumoti Bridge as it was built over the Modhumoti River while the third Shitalakhya Bridge was named after AKM Nasim Osman as he was a valiant freedom fighter and in recognition of his efforts to construct the bridge.   The premier said the Awami League government had also constructed the Shitalakhya-1 and 2 bridges.   Sheikh Hasina said her government has attached priorities on developing the communication system, generating employment and expansion of trade and commerce to ensure the overall progress of Bangladesh.   With opening of the newly constructed bridges, international connection particularly with south Asian countries including Nepal, Bhutan and India would be further strengthened that will help boost trade and commerce while the deprived areas of the south and south-western regions would also be developed further, she said.   The bridges would make direct communications with the country's Chattogram and Mongla ports while the Modhumoti Bridge would help connect Bangladesh's south-western region with the Trans Asian Highway that would help make the country's economy more vibrant, she added.   Sheikh Hasina said her government has made the country's Chattogram and Mongla seaports alongside the international airports in Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet open to friendly countries for mutual benefits.   She said her government has constructed all the big bridges in Bangladesh that included Padma Bridge, Jamuna Bridge, Dhorala Bridge, Shikarpur-Duarika, Rupsha Bridge, Bhairab Bridge, Gabkhan Bridge and many more bridges across the country.   The premier said her government built the Padma Bridge with own finance, taking it as a big challenge confronting all the conspiracies that included false allegations of corruption with the help of the almighty Allah and courage from the people.   "We are working in connecting all communication systems of the country. We can say that we have been able to connect every part of Bangladesh," she said.   The prime minister urged all to work together to continue the country's development spree despite the fact that the uplift activities have been slowed down due to the world crisis arising out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic. She reiterated Bangladesh's stance that her country never wants war with any country rather want peace, saying, "We want peace, not war."   The prime minister stressed the need for using the money of selling firearms for the welfare of the children.   Election   Sheikh Hasina, also President of the Awami League, said her party always comes to power by getting people's mandate through elections.   "We have been voted to power and we engaged ourselves in serving the people," she continued.   Awami League always has a history to come to power through elections by taking support from the people, she said.   Sheikh Hasina said that the Awami League maintained the democratic process in the country.   The premier later exchanged views virtually with the people, local representatives and government officers after connecting to Narail, Gopalganj and Narayanganj districts.   Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader spoke at the function while PM's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus moderated it.   Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh ITO Naoki and Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan also spoke on the occasion.   Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division A B M Amin Ullah Nuri gave a brief description of the bridges.   A video documentary on the bridge projects was screened.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Monday) said the government is developing communication systems across the country as developed communication expedites industrialization as well as boosts trade and business.    "We're reviving rail communication, setting up new rail tracts and reactivating rivers through dredging alongside constructing bridges. . . . A developed communication expedites industrialization and boosts trade and business," she said.    The premier said this at a financial donation-providing ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.    Different banks and financial institutions donated to the Prime Minister's Relief and Welfare Fund. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus, on behalf of the premier, received the cheques of donation.    Mentioning that the government has established a road communication network across the country by constructing bridges and others, Sheikh Hasina said they are reactivating the rivers by dredging while reviving the rail communication although the previous government almost abandoned it.    Referring to the recently inaugurated Padma Multipurpose Bridge, she hoped that it would change the fate of the people of 21 districts.    She said the Padma Bridge has opened up the vast scope of industrialization in the Southern region of the country that might bring economic development to rural people.    She also noted that it would also raise the purchasing capability of rural people, which would also create a market for locally produced goods.    The Prime Minister again extended her heartfelt gratitude to the countrymen, saying that, "People are my strength. Construction of the Padma Bridge with own finance has been possible as the people of the country stood beside me."    A total of 45 banks and financial institutions have donated a total of Taka 304.41 crore.    These are - Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Agrani Bank, Rupali Bank, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, BDBL, EDCOL, BIFFL, Exim Bank, Al Arafah Islami Bank, United Commercial Bank, AB Bank, Bank Asia, Bengal Commercial Bank, Brac Bank, City Bank, Dhaka Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, Eastern Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, IFIC Bank, Islami Bank, Jamuna Bank, Meghna Bank, Mercantile Bank, Midland Bank, Madhumati Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, National Bank, NCC Bank, NRB Bank, NRB Commercial Bank, One Bank, Padma Bank, Premier Bank, Prime Bank, Pubali Bank, SBAC Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Southeast Bank, Standard Bank, Union Bank and Uttara Bank. Against the backdrop of spreading of Coronavirus anew in the country, the prime minister reiterated her call to all to maintain health safety protocols to protect themselves from getting infected with Covid-19.    "Wear facemask and follow the health safety rules to keep yourselves uninfected," she added.    The head of the government also extended her gratitude to the banks and financial institutions, saying that, "there should be no tension as you people always stand beside the countrymen this way. We will pull the country ahead".    Turning to export, she again laid emphasis on the diversification of export baskets. To this end, she urged the entrepreneurs to make investments to produce new products beyond the traditional items exploring the demand in different countries.    Sheikh Hasina said that her government is also working to increase the purchasing power of people to create a local market.    "We will not only export our items but also focus on creating the domestic market for the sake of local industrialization," she said. In this perspective, she referred to the government's endeavour of expanding economic activities at the grassroots level through different projects and schemes.    She also mentioned her government's effort in establishing 100 special economic zones.    She said Bangladesh is an agricultural country, but it has land scarcity and that is why all development activities will have to be done with saving arable land and the environment. "We have to continue development, and at the same time, have to ensure food security," she went on saying.    About the flood and natural disasters, the premier said the government is trying to address all the issues, but nature goes on with its own way and human beings have no control over it.    Mentioning that problems are coming one after another, she said before ending the adverse impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war began which not only affected the world but also Bangladesh.    Then, the flood hit the country's Sylhet region three times and also gradually other parts in the downstream, she said, adding, "There will be problems, but we have to move ahead facing these problems."    Sheikh Hasina also highlighted her government's initiatives and financial assistance to keep running the country's economic wheel alongside extending support to the people of different walks of life such as farmers and others to run their livelihoods. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Sunday) hoped that the Padma Bridge would be a blessing for the nation for easier communication in the wake of flood, as the government is set to inaugurate it on June 25.   "After the opening of the Padma Bridge, I hope, InshaAllah, it would be a blessing as uninterrupted communication with the Southern region will be ensured," she said.   The premier made this optimism while addressing a reception ceremony of sports-persons at Shapla Hall in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the capital as the chief guest.   She said, "The Padma Bridge will create a vast opportunity for us to transport goods, tackle floods, stand beside people and provide them assistance."   She added, "I think we are going to open the (Padma) bridge at a time when flood began on one side, but it may also go to the Southern region." Sheikh Hasina said during the flood, river crossing becomes difficult as it gets extra current and appears as furious and that is why people get stuck on the river bank.   In this connection, she also shared her own experiences of being stuck in Tungipara during the flood of 1988. The premier said that if there would have been a bridge over the Padma River, she could have traveled to Dhaka instead of being stuck.    "So, after the opening (Padma Bridge), all types of works such as providing assistance, medicine etc to people could be done easily during the flood," she said.    Recalling the time of inauguration of Bangabandhu Bridge on the River Jamuna, the Prime Minister said there was a severe and prolonged flood in 1998 in the country.    At that time, the bridge connected the Northern region with other parts of the country, she said. She added: "As I opened the Bangabandhu Bridge, goods from the region were transported easily to the other areas during the flood that had helped tackle floods in an easier way."    To this end, she also remembered that international organizations at that time predicted over two crore of people would die because of the flood, but, "I replied that we won’t let anybody die and no person died".    She added, "As I opened the (Bangabandhu) bridge, we were able to tackle the flood easily."  The Prime Minister also recalled that the southern region had received huge support from the Northern region at that time.    In the reception ceremony, financial honorariums were provided to a total of 88 sports-persons, including 33 members of the SAFF-2021 Champion Women U-19 National Football Team.    The 55 other sportsmen include 33 persons from Mujib Borsho FIFA International Football Series 2020 and 22 sportsmen from Bangabandhu 4-Nation Physically Challenged Cricket Tournament 2022.    SAFF-2021 Champion Women U-19 National Football Team's Captain Maria Manda, player Monika Chakma and chief trainer Golam Rabbani Choton, Bangladesh Physically Challenged Cricket Team Captain Faisal Khan and Bangladesh National Football Team Captain Jamal Bhuyan received cheque of financial honorariums from the hand of the prime minister.    At the outset of the function, a video documentary on the three categories of sports teams was screened.   State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel, Bangladesh Football Federation President Kazi Md. Salahuddin, Women U-19 National Football Team Captain Maria Manda and Bangladesh Physically Challenged Cricket Team Captain Faisal Khan also spoke.   Additional secretary of Ministry of Youth and Sports Nazrul Islam delivered the welcome address. The Prime Minister said her government would continue to support developing world class athletes in the country's sports arena.         Mentioning that flood is a regular phenomenon in the country, she said, "We will deal with the flood and we will also continue sports. Everything will go on. This is our life, we have to accept it."     She added, "This is the reality and we have to move ahead with this reality, and we will keep our heads high on the world stage."     Sheikh Hasina said the government is taking various measures to rescue, treat and provide relief to the flood victims to minimize the suffering.     She said it is the monsoon season, the floods in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts have occurred much more massively this time "but, I am monitoring it regularly".     "We are doing rescue work and providing relief along with various measures for the flood victims," she said, mentioning that local administration, army, navy and all other organizations are deployed to rescue people and provide assistance.     At the same time, she said, the leaders and activists of Chhatra League, Juba League, Swechchhasebak League and associated organizations of Awami League have come forward with assistance in different areas.     The government has been doing everything to drain out the water and is also ready to deal with the post-flood situation, she added.     The head of government said she had cautioned all the concerned earlier, saying that this time there could be a massive flood. "I have warned everyone, told them to be prepared and we have that preparation."     About the possibility of floods in the central and southern parts of the country, she said as the flood began in the north, it may hit the south.     Sheikh Hasina said, "The water has started receding. When the water recedes from Sunamganj, other areas start flooding. This is our natural system. So, there is a possibility of flooding, especially in Rangpur division, Mymensingh division. We are already taking measures in this regard." The Prime Minister said when the flood water recedes from the north-eastern part, the middle region might be flooded till the Bengali month of Shraban and then the southern region from Shraban to Bhadra and it is a system of nature.    She said, "In Bangladesh, we will have to move forward coping with its natural environment." "So, we'll continue the activities to ensure normal life alongside facing the natural disasters," she added, referring to the fact that Bangladesh successfully hosted the Mini World Cup (The 1998 ICC Champions Trophy) during the 1998 flood.   Mentioning that her government introduced the Bangabandhu Gold Cup and Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib Gold Cup at the primary school level, she emphasized on the arrangement of inter-college and inter-university competitions to pick players for the national teams.     "I think inter-school and inter-college competitions should start soon. We'll do everything necessary for this," she said.     Sheikh Hasina said her government is constructing a mini-stadium in every upazila for development of all types of sports. The construction works of mini-stadiums continue in 186 upazilas, she said.     She directed the Sports Ministry to come up with a fresh project to construct the mini-stadium in the remaining upazilas, adding "I don't want the delay (in construction of the mini-stadiums). I want the mini-stadiums ready in 493 Upazilas."     The premier noted that it is essential to put more emphasis on the country's rural sports.       To this end, she mentioned that her government has already recognized the Bangladesh Country Games Association for putting more emphasis on the promotion and dissemination of rural sports.     The Prime Minister urged the industrialists and businessmen to come forward in helping the players and thus promote sports.     If the industrialists and businessmen appoint the players in their ventures, the players would be able to give more attention to sports as they would not need to remain worried about their livelihoods, she said.   "It is not right that you would do just business, set up industries and make money. You will have to do something for the country," she continued.     Emphasizing on cooperation of the private sector, the Prime Minister said, "The more we cooperate, the more it will bring excellence. We have to give the opportunity of livelihood to those who will bring honor for the country through playing. That's what I believe."     She added, "Players will only play sports and when there are more clubs in the country, more competitions will be there, more excellence will be in sports. We have to create such an environment."     Referring to the various achievements brought by the physically challenged players for the country in the field of sports, she said, "Although the physically challenged persons were once considered a burden, today they have proved that they can bring honor for the country if they get opportunity. They have proved that they are our asset."    Regarding the reception, Sheikh Hasina said, it is always a pleasure to give a reception to the prominent players, but the current situation is a bit unusual due to the flood situation and Covid-19 pandemic.   Source: BSS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) said her government is taking all types of measures to make the country's economic activities more vibrant and dynamic through improving the communication and transportation system.    "We're taking steps to expedite and develop the country's economic activities through easing the communication system for people's movement all over the country," she said.     The premier said this while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Mobile Rail Museum and 30 metre-gauge and 16 broad-gauge locomotives at Kamalapur Railway Station as the chief guest.  She joined the function virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.    Mentioning that the Awami League government's job is to serve the country's people, she said the main focus of the government's entities should be to serve the people rather than making profit.    "The big issue is how much the government organization has been able to provide services to the people. How much service did the people get? And how much the life standard of people becomes easy...," she said regarding the profit-loss of the state-owned BRTC and Bangladesh Railway.        Sheikh Hasina said the government has made Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) and Bangladesh Railway (BR) profitable organisations.  "BR, which was suggested to shut down terming as non-profitable and the BNP government did it so, could be made profitable and the Awami League government has shown it by making BR a profitable organisation," she said.    She added that BR today has established itself as a profitable organisation and it would be profitable further when more employees could be recruited alongside expansion of rail track and induction of the new track which is being installed currently.     The premier also appreciated the employees and workers of BR for their sincere effort to ensure quality of services.     Railways Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Railway ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury also spoke as special guests.  Railways Secretary Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir delivered the welcome address.    Separate video documentary on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Mobile Rail Museum and Bangladesh Railway's rolling stock was screened.    The mobile museum - built separately in a metre-gauge and a broad-gauge coach - displays the life and works of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The museum will travel all railway stations across the country so that people from all walks of life can visit it and know different aspects of Bangabandhu's life.    Besides, the metre-gauge and broad-gauge locomotives have been procured from Hyundai Rotem of South Korea and Progress Rail of the United States as part of the modernisation of Bangladesh Railway.     The prime minister inaugurated the museum and locomotives by blowing flute and waving flag.  Source: BSS AH

Railway Minister Md. Nurul Islam Sujan said, on the occasion of victory day in December the new inter-country rail communication will be inaugurated. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will inaugurate it. At the beginning goods laden trains will ply. Besides from March 26, on the occasion of Independence Day there is a plan to inaugurate passenger train service from Dhaka to Shiliguri. The minister said this when the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami made a courtesy call at his office at the Rail Bhaban in the capital on Wednesday. Different matter concerned to rail communication and other ongoing railway projects financed by India were discussed during their discussion. The inauguration of railway communication between Chilahati-Haldibari was also discussed in the meeting. Nurul Islam Sujan said, the construction work of Bangabandhu Rail Bridge will begin in the next month. If this bridge is completed huge development will be done in the rail communication in the country. Besides, process of upgrading meter gauge line into dual gauge is under way. Different projects are going on at present. If the Padma Bridge rail connectivity project starts then goods and passenger transport will be cheap and easy from Benapole to Dhaka for the Indian trains. The minister said, like India a department will be opened on the matter of consultancy in Bangladesh Railway. The Indian High Commissioner at that time expressed desire to develop catering service and training academy for Bangladesh Railway. Railway ministry Secretary Md. Selim Reza, Bangladesh Railway Director General Md. Shamsuzzaman were present at that time. AH     

The rail communication between Dhaka and other parts of the country has begun after five hours of interval on Sunday following a commuter train derailment at Natun Bazar area in Tongi that claimed five lives. At least 25 people were also injured in the accident. After the accident the rail communication between Dhaka and Chittagong, Sylhet, Mymensingh, northern and southern parts of the country snapped. But the rail communication was restored after relief train came in. Station Manager of Tongi Halimuzzaman said that the rail communication turned into normal after 5 pm. An investigation team was formed headed by railway eastern zone Chief Engineer Md. Arifuzzaman to find out the reason behind the accident. The committee was asked to submit the report within three days. AH  

Prime Minister’s Information and Communication Technology Advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy has said, the whole world is doing unimaginable development in technology. 80 percent cars will be driverless by the year 2025. Bangladesh also wants to get the benefit.  He said these while delivering speech as the chief guest at the ministerial conference on the second day of Digital World on Thursday. Joy said, mobile supercomputing, driverless car, artificial intelligent robot, neuro technology brain, genetic editing will be seen in future. We have to open a new horizon of development using the possibility of technology for the countrymen. He said, Bangladesh is ready to take the leading role in the information technology in future. Bangladesh will move forward through using the developed technologies of the world. Government is working on for development in the field of information technology along with the private sector. Sajeeb Wazed Joy said, not only by the workforce Bangladesh also wants to be an exporting country of technological commodities and services. Bangladesh is opening the new horizon of development for the countrymen using the modern technology. Prime Minister’s Information and Communication Technology Advisor said, Bangladesh is ready to lead in the constantly changing information technology sector in future. Now the time has come to talk about fourth industrial revolution. Because, the rapid change of technology is bringing total change in every sphere of human life. As a result, economic growth and industrialization are going on rapidly. Commercial use of nano material will be seen by the year 2025. These nano materials are 200 times harder than steel and lighter than hair. There will be three D printed lever transplant. 10 percent cars will be driverless. Influence could be seen in government, business and general people’s life. Bangladesh of tomorrow will move ahead by accepting the modern technologies. He said, people are getting benefit of information technology. As a result, use of technologies has increased immensely. You have seen drone and the most developed robot Sofia in the Digital World. State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak upheld the different information of Digital Bangladesh. In the conference principal advisor of the prime minister of Congo, Cambodian state minister for post and communication, information and communication minister of Bhutan, deputy minister of Maldives for armed forces and national security, director of Philippines’ ICT directorate, international department chief of Saudi Arabia’s information and communication technology ministry and advisor of the minister were also present. AH