Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, Md Habibur Rahman has said there is no threat to the upcoming Eid ul-Fitr. Besides, special security measures have been taken for 24 hours in Dhaka during the Eid holidays. He said this at a press conference after visiting the Eid market at Bashundhara Shopping Complex in the capital on Tuesday noon (April 2). DMP commissioner said, "There is no threat centering the Eid festival. As The capital becomes empty during the long Eid holidays. Security has been arranged keeping this in mind in the security plan." He said about 1.5 crore people will go out of Dhaka during the Eid holidays. At this time Dhaka city remains empty. So we would advise the city dwellers to be aware of their valuables and be aware. Special security measures have been taken by the police for 24 hours ahead of Eid.  

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and Economic Relations Division secretary Sharifa Khan signed the exchange of notes of the 44th Official Development Assistance Yen loan of Japan to Bangladesh on Saturday. The second installment of the 44th Japanese Yen Loan Package is 247.556 billion yen (approximately USD 1.67billion). Based on this agreement between the two counties, Mr. ICHIGUCHI Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office and Ms. Sharifa Khan signed a relevant Loan Agreements.  "I’m pleased to be able to sign the Exchange of Notes with regard to 44th Japanese Yen Loan Package today. The loan package includes the "Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal- Fired Power Project (VII)". "The Project therefore contributes to meeting the growing electricity demand and diversifying energy sources. At the Japan-Bangladesh Summit in April 2023, the progress of the development project in the Southern Chattogram area, which includes the project, was welcomed by our leaders, and continued cooperation in the development of the area was confirmed. It is also important in terms of connectivity with northeastern India. I spare no effort in extending further cooperation to the Government and the people of Bangladesh to build a win-win partnership, now that is the “Strategic Partnership”, for our prosperous future.", said Ambassador IWAMA at the signing ceremony.

A bank account has been opened to collect funds for the traders affected by the fire in Bangabazar of the capital. The business leaders said that anyone can send financial aid from the country and abroad through the savings account number of IFIC Bank (0200094066031). Through a press conference in Bangabazar on Saturday, Helal Uddin, President of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, said, "The money deposited in that account will be handed over to Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F. Rahman and Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Fazle Noor Taposh." Stating that a list of the affected traders is being prepared, he said, "We will explain to them after making the list and determining the amount of damage. They will distribute the money." Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F. Rahman visited the fire-ravaged Bangabazar and advised the traders to open a joint bank account in the name of the market.  At that time, he said, many people want to help the affected traders. That's why I told the president of the shop owner association to open a bank account.  Those who want to help, can send money to that account. He also assured that the businessmen can set up shop before Eid.

United efforts are needed to meet challenge of providing clean drinking water, said Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday while inaugurating the seventh India Water Week (IWW) at the Expo Mart in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida. The function was organised by the ministry of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation in an effort to raise awareness and conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner. The 7th Water Week is being celebrated from 1-5 November. With the inauguration, the visit marks the first visit of President Murmu to Noida, Uttar Pradesh. President Droupadi Murmu was welcomed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath; Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Jal Shakti MoS Prahlad Patel, Visheshwar Tudu; and Governor of Uttar Pradesh Anandiben. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it is impossible to imagine life without water. In Indian civilization, water is important in life and the journey after life. That is why all water sources are considered sacred. But at the present, if we look at the situation the condition seems worrying. Due to the increasing population, the condition of our rivers and reservoirs is deteriorating, village ponds are drying up and many local rivers have become extinct. Water is being over-exploited in agriculture and industries. The environmental balance on the earth is getting disturbed, weather patterns are changing and unseasonal excessive rainfall has become common. In such a situation, discussing the management of water is a very commendable step. The President said that the issue of water is relevant not only for India but for the entire world. This issue is linked to national security too as the vast amount of available freshwater is spread between two or more countries. Therefore, this combined water resource is an issue for which international cooperation is necessary. President Murmu was happy to note that Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel and the European Union are participating in the 7th India Water Week. She expressed confidence that all will benefit from the exchange of ideas and technologies on this forum.   "Sage Bhagirathi had done the work of bringing the holy Ganges to earth. He did penance to liberate his ancestors and the river Ganga descended on the earth," President Murmu recited. "At present, the situation seems worrying. Due to the increasing population, the condition of our rivers and reservoirs, the Ganges river and the ponds of the Ganges are drying up. Water is being over-exploited in agriculture and industries. The environmental balance on the earth is deteriorating, the weather pattern is changing, and unseasonal excessive rainfall has become a common thing. Discussing such a situation the conservation of water is very commendable," the President said. The President said that water is a major resource for agriculture as well. According to an estimate, about 80 per cent of the water resource in our country is used for agricultural purposes. Therefore, proper use and management of water in irrigation is very important for water conservation. The 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana' is a major initiative in this area. This nationwide scheme is being implemented to increase the irrigated area in the country. In line with water conservation goals, the scheme also envisages the adoption of precision irrigation and water-saving technologies to ensure "per drop more crop". On the same occasion, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that we all know that the world is facing a water crisis. "The need of the hour is that we are all united by facing the challenges, together we are thinking about this topic because this global crisis can be solved by the country's social organization," he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to invest 210 US dollars by 2024 and due to the freedom of investment, India has become the country which invested most in water in the world. On the sidelines of the event Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that if there is water, there is life. The state has sufficient water resources. More than 60 rivers have been revived. CM Yogi said that Ganga got freedom from the pollution of two drains in Kanpur. Earlier the sewer water used to fall directly into the Ganges. Sewers of Sisamau and Jajmau have been diverted. Till yesterday, when the sewage water used to be dirty, today it has become a selfie point after being cleaned under the Namami Gange project. The Himalayan rivers cover a large area of UP. "Plastic was banned in UP in 2018. Instead of plastic, pottery has been promoted. Thousands of Amrit Sarovar were built in the villages," CM Yogi said further. Notably, President Droupadi Murmu said that providing clean drinking water to the growing population will be a big challenge in the coming years. The issue of water is multifaceted and complex, for which efforts should be made by all stakeholders. We all know that water is limited and only its proper use and recycling can sustain this resource for a long time. Therefore, all of us should try to consume this resource carefully. She urged people to be aware of its misuse and make others aware of water conservation. She expressed confidence that the outcome of brainstorming during this 7th Water Week will pave way for the welfare of this earth and humanity. She appealed to the common people, farmers, industrialists and especially children to make water conservation a part of their ethics. She said that only in this manner, we will be able to gift a better and safer tomorrow to the coming generations. Source: ANI

The fourth industrial revolution is knocking at the door. To cope in this era, one must enhance knowledge through the use of information technology. Humane use of information technology is required. In this era, no invention or policy should become inhumane. In this era, building a smart country will require the use of modern technology, indigenous innovation, and good governance. There is no alternative to education, research, and development in this industrial revolution to become efficient and competent. This requires the use of skilled manpower. And as this skilled manpower is available, splendid leadership can be provided by Public Administration students, which was the focus of a conference at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University yesterday. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, the Mayor of Mymensingh City Corporation, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, the Project Director of a2i, and department teachers spoke at the meeting. The speech addressed the issue of how to move forward in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution while also leading Bangladesh into the future. We must contribute to the growth of this country through a technological revolution. The speakers expected teachers, students, and researchers to contribute to the country's development by implementing the excellence of the fourth industrial revolution through their talent, creativity, and efficiency.

The Self Help Groups (SHGs) are scripting a new chapter in ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’. The government has provided wings to the aspirations of rural women in the Himalayan region by introducing various schemes under the SHGs.   The J&K administration has embarked on a mission to form 11,000 new self help groups in the Union Territory by the end of this year. At present, there are more than 56,000 SHGs in J&K and as many as 5 lakh women are associated with these groups.   Last year, J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha had stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home & Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the country is witnessing renaissance in Cooperative movement to address the developmental needs of underprivileged sections of the society.   He had asserted that the J&K Government won’t leave any stone unturned to carry forward the mission of PM Modi and Amit Shah.   “The new self help groups will be formed to give new impetus to entrepreneurial women organisations,” LG Sinha had said.   After August 5, 2019, when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K’s special status and bifurcated it into two union territories-the helmsmen in the Himalayan region have been working hard to truly realise the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.   They are focusing on agri-marketing, food processing, branding, supply of seeds and other innovative activities in dairy & handicrafts and the women have become an integral part of the mission.   According to the official figures, about 55 per cent gram panchayats have been covered under women SHGs in J&K and the efforts are on to expedite the initiative to make women financially independent.   The formation of SHGs has helped in bringing transparency in selection of beneficiaries of government schemes.   In order to popularise the SHG concept in J&K, the government has involved women from SHGs of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Bihar as resource persons. They are reaching out to women in the rural areas and explaining to them the benefits of joining the SHGs. The target is to cover the remaining 45 per cent gram panchayats by the end of this year.   In January this year, the Institute of Rural Management undertook a study for the rural development ministry to assess financial progress, quality and sustainability of institutions built and financial services provided to women SHGs. The impact of the initiative, under the Deen Dayal Anyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission, was found positive.   The reforms introduced by the government after abrogation of Article 370, a temporary provision in the constitution of India, to identify women’s potential in the leadership role and providing them opportunity to scale up their businesses have changed the lives of the fairer sex in J&K. The initiatives like Saath, Hausla, Umeed, Tejaswini have laid a strong foundation for financial independence of rural women.   Technology, market dynamics and financial inclusion are providing an opportunity to transform the women Self Help Groups. These groups are creating a niche for their products in a fiercely competitive global market and are proving to be an inspiration for the other women. The women SHGs in the far-flung rural areas are keeping the wheels of socio-economic progress moving. This has helped the government to reduce disparities, inequalities in the society and create employment.   On the occasion of Independence Day (August 15), the government is all set to honour 75 progressive women entrepreneurs from Rural Livelihood Mission Self Help Groups as an acknowledgment for their contribution towards women empowerment.   The SHGs are organising workshops for women in different areas to boost their confidence. The success stories of women are being shared to make the fairer sex in the rural areas believe that they have the potential to become like their counterparts.   Many women during the past two years have turned from job seekers to job providers. The SHGs have connected thousands of females and have provided them with an opportunity to interact with other women, to know their thoughts, livelihoods as well as about several government schemes.   The SHGs are working hard to inculcate the habit of saving and banking among the rural women, to develop a relationship of trust between the rural women and the bankers, and to develop group activity so that women can become successful entrepreneurs.   Women like Kaushaliya Devi of village Bali, Chenaniin district Udhampur have become role models. Her story from rags to riches is just one of the examples about how SHGs have changed the lives of women.   While sharing her experience, Kaushaliya Devi while talking to a local newspaper revealed how difficult her life was. “I was a housewife and my husband was unemployed which made our lives very difficult. In 2013, I came to know about the UMEED scheme and joined SHG group Shri Mandir under the aegis of this scheme.”   She stated that her life changed after the government started to infuse funds into SHGs. The members started to utilize the funds to start their own small businesses. She started a small business of dairy farming and after taking help of government funds, small loan through bank linkage she started earning around Rs 8,000 per month.   Getting inspired by the success of dairy farming, Kaushailya also started to look for alternate business to earn more money. After that, she started the business of tailoring and bag making which turned her into a successful member of the group.   With the assistance under the UMEED scheme she bought a dumper after the government provided Rs 10 lakh loan to their group. Currently, Kaushailya is handsomely earning more than Rs 50,000 per month making her life and that of her family very happy. Her children are studying in a good school and she is living happily with her family.   “Earlier people in my village used to tell women can’t do anything but after my success, the same people are giving my examples,” she said.   Atiqa Wani, of Ramhal, area of Kupwara district in North Kashmir after completing her post-graduation thought to stand on her own and decided to start an educational institute. With the desire to do something big in life, she got associated with the SHG eco-system to augment her otherwise limited financial resources. She received a “Revolving Fund” of Rs 10,000 initially and later on a Community Investment Fund of Rs 20,000 and then three times a total loan of Rs 1.40 lakh.   Seeing her performance of repayments etc. and her commitment towards her mission, she was recommended for bank linkage which helped her in running the affairs of the institute successfully.   She started the institute with only five students in 2019. As on date, hundreds of students are enrolled in her institute as the financial support from the UMEED scheme has helped her to reach the top.   “We are not only earning a decent living but we are proud to become job-givers rather than job-seekers and are able to provide gainful employment to fifteen persons in our institution so far,” Atiqa told a Srinagar-based daily.   Janna Begum, a SHG member, hailing from Singhporain North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, established various livelihoods for herself and also engaged her entire family in it. “UMEED provided me with a platform to overcome my financial difficulty. I started cosmetics and a fodder shop and both the units were a good success. I now earn more than Rs. 25,000 profit a month,” she said.   Naseema Bano of Newa area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district wanted to extend a helping hand to her husband but every time lack of financial resources would stop her.   “I not only now created a livelihood opportunity for myself but engaged my entire family with it. UMEED provided us with an appropriate platform for overcoming our financial difficulties we were facing for quite a long time,” she asserted.   With the financial help and bank linkage, she was able to establish a full-fledged workshop and a retail copper shop in her vicinity. The shop is a successful venture and she is earning more than Rs 30, 000 profits a month.   Sheetal Kumari, hailing from village Sultanpur of Bishnah block was struggling on a daily basis for her livelihood. “It was very hard for us to make both ends meet. I used to make paper bags all night and sell them to the nearby vendor. I joined the UMEED programmeand did my best to revive our economic condition,” she said.   Kumari in a short span of her association with UMEED has generated quite a few assets for her family. She is a role model for the women in her village as well in her own community. She has at present a Kiryana shop, a load carrier, 2 to 3 cows and works as an AMC operator in her village.   Anju Bala of Mathwar, Bhalwal area of Jammu region was imparted a number of trainings by the sakhiswhich opened her horizon. Currently, Anju is running a general store successfully and earning substantial income for her family.   After August 5, 2019, lives of women in J&K have changed. During COVID-19 pandemic, fairer sex played a lead role in sustaining the economy of J&K. Women made lakhs of masks and contributed immensely in the fight against the pandemic.   The support offered by the government turned the women into key agents for the development of the society. Self-Help Groups especially for women helped them to start entrepreneurial activities which led to eradication of poverty. These groups have proven to be effective tools for women empowerment in J&K.   The women members of the SHGs in J&K have set an example in repayment of loans with less than one per cent NPA. Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had stated that women self-help groups in rural areas had set an example for the country in repaying loans. The J&K women are on a way to change their destinies through the Self Help Groups and they have proven their mettle through the dint of their hard work, sincerity, dedication and honesty. They are contributing immensely towards building ‘Naya J&K’ and the government is providing them with all possible support.    Source: IANS

For centuries, deeply-rooted traditions and unique cultural practices have helped conserve and manage the environment, ecosystems and biodiversity in India. With this historical and sociocultural context, one can witness in quiet fascination how multitudes of people in Rajasthan care for ants in a conservation effort and even arrange for food for them daily. Though some may deem that the practice of feeding ants is immersed in superstition, it's widely believed that this tradition stems from a community-centric concern for the environment. Every village, town and city in Rajasthan resonates with this conservational ethos, and people are dedicated to providing ants with sustenance. There are plenty of small and big spaces in every village that are demarcated specially for insects. Local residents call these areas 'kidi nagara', which loosely translates to city of ants. Hiraram, assistant professor at the Zoology Department of Jodhpur's Jainarayan Vyas University, told 101Reporters: "Kidi nagara are present throughout the state, and people of the community feed the ants every day. The simple act of providing food grains to the ants is called kidi nagara seenchna, which loosely meaning in local language to feeding the ants. Because of this, insects are found in abundance everywhere. "Ants play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are the primary consumers and feed directly on plants. Insects survive by eating these ants. Carnivorous birds higher up on the food chain derive nourishment by eating ants and insects. These birds play a crucial role in pollinating crops in the fields and also feed on insects that damage the crops. In fact, birds are found in abundance around kidi nagaras and provide a natural balance to biodiversity." Community-driven initiative People visit these grounds daily with reverence and feel 'blessed' to feed the insects flour, pulses, millets, rice and sugar. In Nimbawas village of Jalore district, the kidi nagara is spread over 150 bighas of land, where locals and even people from distant districts come to feed the ants. Hiralal Bhati, a resident of Nimbawas, told 101Reporters: "Due to kidi nagaras, there are many birds in our village. Over time, we learnt how important insects are to the ecological balance of this region. We treat feeding the insects as a virtuous act."   The kidi nagara of Nimbawas is on government land. However, in Singari village of Pali district, their insect haven of about 50 bighas belongs to the villagers, which they neither use nor think of selling. Professor Hiraram told 101Reporters: "All the kidi nagaras are located in uninhabited places, unhindered by human activity. It shows that even centuries ago, our ancestors understood the importance of the natural habitat of all living beings. In the absence of human encroachment, ants and insects have a protected space where they can thrive without threat." Several organisations and religious ashrams collect grains in large quantities and transport them to the insect cities. Every year, a stock of grains is collected for the ants at the Kishandas Maharaj Ashram in Chharsa village of Jaipur district's Manoharpura area. Here, villagers voluntarily donate food grains. "Last year, 2,051 quintals of food grains were collected in the ashram, as well as coconut, sugar and jaggery. These were later sent to temples in different places," said Krishnakumar Verma from Manoharpura. "The temples distribute the grains to kidi nagaras throughout the year." In 2020, due to Covid restrictions, villagers could not donate food. But in 2021, the donations doubled. In Shivganj of Sirohi district, 250 people set up Manav Asha Sansthan. Bhairu Kashyap, a worker at the institute, said: "We organise various acts of service in line with the ecosystem of the ants. Before the rainy season, we visit the kidi nagaras and leave many quintals of food in the anthills, so that they are provided for during the rains. We make balls of cereals, grains, sugar and coconut and stuff them in the anthills." Speaking to 101Reporters, Bhagwataacharya, Pandits who told the story of Shrimad Bhagwat Pandit Satyapal Parashar explained that their ancestors associated all forms of flora and fauna with faith, belief or a deity to protect them. "Elevating them to reverence made common people regard every being with inherent respect and dignity," he added. "Our elders also understood that despite being tiny creatures, ants contribute immensely to the environment. This is how the tradition of giving them food developed. Our scriptures emphasise the importance of giving food to all living beings, which also gives the benefactor a sense of purpose." Corrie Moreau, noted biologist as well as professor, director and curator of the Insect Collection Department at New York's Cornell University, majored in myrmecology, the study of ants. She believes that "ants are the engineers of our ecosystem" and "without ants, the world would not be a very good place to live in" given the vital role they play in soil health, crop production, decomposition and the spread of seeds. In research conducted abroad, scientists have found that the population of many species of insects have nearly halved, which calls into question the future of the planet. In fact, a report published in National Library of Medicine, in February 2019 projects a grim future: more than 75 per cent of decline in total flying insect biomass in protected areas globally over 27 years. Though its origins cannot be determined, the tradition of feeding ants is commonplace in different states of north India. Padma Shri Himmat Ram Bhambhu, an environmental activist from Nagaur, considers kidi nagaras enormously essential to the ecosystem. "If there are no such nagaras, many insects and birds will be endangered," Bhambhu said. "Today, numerous species of animals, birds, trees and plants are approaching extinction. It's because of a lack of genuine interest in conserving them. Kidi nagaras and other such traditions are a step in the right direction and should be preserved." Source: National Herald

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Monday) called upon the country’s physicians to stay beside people with a vow of providing services as it’s not just a profession. “It’s not just a profession. You people (physicians) serve people and I want you to stay beside people with this vow of providing services,” she said. The Premier said this while addressing the opening ceremony of the golden jubilee celebration and 14th convocation 2022 of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) as chief guest at BCPS. Joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban, Sheikh Hasina said when a doctor listens to a patient with patience, it gives the patient confidence and helps healing. She said "In many cases, people are healed by the words of a doctor rather than treatment and medicine as it helps the patient to gain confidence.” She added it is a reality that a patient gets half healed after hearing the doctor's words. The Prime Minister opined that everyone, whatever profession they belong to, should continue to work imbuing with humanity. Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque spoke as special guest. BCPS also gave an honorary fellowship to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On behalf of the Prime Minister, Zahid Maleque received the fellowship and momentous of BCPS’s golden jubilee. Later, Zahid Maleque, on behalf of the Prime Minister, handed over the gold medals among the BCPS fellows during 2017 to 2022 and honorary fellowship to the both local and foreign dignitaries. With BCPS President Professor Quazi Deen Mohammad in the chair, former BCPS President Professor AHM Towhidul Anwar Chowdhury delivered welcome address. BCPS Secretary Dr Mohammad Billal Alam introduced the foreign guests attending the ceremony. BCPS Senior Vice President Professor Abul Bashar Mohammed Khurshid Alam gave the vote of thanks. At the outset of the event, the theme song of BCPS and a video documentary on the activities of BCPS were screened. Source: BSS AH

India stated that it will continue to coordinate with stakeholders towards enabling expeditious provision of much needed humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, days after New Delhi sent shipments of wheat to Afghanistan. "India’s approach to Afghanistan has always been guided by its historical friendship with its peopleWe remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan," India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Geneva Ambassador Indramani Pandey said. Pandey was speaking at the interactive dialogue with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on her report on strengthening promotion and protection of human rights in Afghanistan during the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council. He said that in this endeavour, India has already supplied 4000MT of wheat, half a million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin, 13 tonnes of essential lifesaving medicines and winter clothing for the Afghan people. These consignments were handed over to the UN specialised agencies the World Health Organisation and the World Food Programme. "As Afghanistan’s largest regional development partner, India would continue to coordinate with other stakeholders to work towards enabling expeditious provision of much needed humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people,” he said. Last week, India had sent the second shipment of 2,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan via Pakistani land route as part of its humanitarian aid to Afghan people who have been reeling under food shortage. India despatched the first consignment of 2,500 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan through the Pakistani land route on February 22 and it reached the Afghan city of Jalalabad on February 26. Fifty trucks carried the consignment. India had sent a proposal to Pakistan on October 7 seeking the transit facility to send 50,000 tonnes of wheat to the people of Afghanistan via Pakistan and it received a positive response from Islamabad on November 24. Following the Pakistani response, both sides were in touch to finalise the modalities for the transportation of the shipments. Pandey said that as a contiguous neighbour and a long-standing partner of Afghanistan, recent developments in the war-torn country, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation continues to be a matter of concern. "India also shares concerns of the international community on issues related to providing immediate humanitarian assistance; ensuring formation of a truly inclusive and representative government; combating terrorism and drug trafficking and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities," Pandey said. Bachelet said that the Afghan people face a “devastating humanitarian and economic crisis” that severely impacts their enjoyment of the full range of economic, social and cultural rights. More than half the population now suffer extreme levels of hunger. An increase in child labour, child marriage and the sale of children has been observed. "Following the Taliban's takeover, international sanctions that previously applied to the Taliban effectively became sanctions on the country's de facto governing authorities. The resulting liquidity crisis contributed to a full-scale economic crash. "In addition, non-humanitarian aid to the country on which almost every essential state function had been dependent prior to the Taliban take-over was suspended. The Security Council's adoption in December of Resolution 2615, to exempt humanitarian transactions is a welcome first step to enable work that could save millions of lives,” she said. She also noted that while the decline in hostilities has seen a sharp decrease in civilian casualties, the human rights situation for many Afghans is of profound concern. From August 15, 2021 to February 15, 2022, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and her office documented at least 1,153 civilian casualties, including 397 deaths. Several suicide and non-suicide attacks were perpetrated by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) against Shia Muslims, mostly from the Hazara ethnic group. "I also note a clear pattern of more than 50 extra-judicial killings of individuals suspected to be linked to the ISKP extremist group, including cases of beheadings in Nangarhar province with bodies left in public places,” she said. She said she will be urging the de facto authorities to recognise and respect Afghanistan’s State obligations to protect human rights as they implement their own approaches to measures of governance in the country. "This will be fundamental for long term support from the international community. In particular, the full participation, education and empowerment of women and girls is fundamental to Afghanistan’s future peace and development.” Source: India Today

The Development Agency of France will provide 330million Euro to Bangladesh to support its development projects. As per two agreements, France will provide 330 million Euro to Bangladesh to support its development projects. Of the €330 million, Agency France Development (AFD), a development bank and cooperation agency, will provide €200 million for budget support due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the rest €130 million for the Dhaka Environmentally Sustainable Water Supply Project, which is already under implementation. Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Fatima Yasmin and Director of Asia Department (AFD) Philippe Orliange signed the loan agreements on behalf of their respective sides in presence of Ambassador of Bangladesh to France Khondker M. Talha and Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean-Martin Schuh on Wednesday, said a press release. With the €330 million, AFD's total support to Bangladesh exceeded €1 billion as it earlier provided €800 million. The main objectives of these projects are to support in vaccination campaign and improve the living standard of the people of Dhaka, especially women and the most vulnerable populations, by increasing and ensuring the sustainability of drinking water production using surface water. Source: BSS AH