Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was safely evacuated from an event in the city of Wakayama after what was reported to be a "smoke bomb" was thrown at him. A suspect has been apprehended. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was rushed from a speech after a smoke bomb was thrown near him in the city of Wakayama on Saturday, public broadcaster NHK said. The prime minister was safely evacuated from the scene, the broadcaster added. "Police are investigating the details of the loud explosive sound at the previous speech venue," Kishida said when he resumed his campaign speeches, in video broadcast by Japan's national broadcaster NHK. "I am sorry for causing many people to be concerned. We are in the middle of an important election for our country. We must carry this on together." His Liberal Democratic party said on Twitter that scheduled campaigning events on Saturday and Sunday would be held as planned.  "We are very sorry for your concern," the party said. What do we know so far? Japanese media reported a blast followed by smoke filling the area as Kishida began his speech. The Jiji news service said a pipe-like object was thrown at him. NHK reported the prime minister was taken to the Wakayama prefectural police headquarters and was safe.  News footage appeared to show officers subduing and detaining a suspect at the scene. NHK said he was held on suspicion of obstruction of business. There were no immediate signs of injuries or damage. When the incident occurred, Kishida was touring a fishing harbor in Wakayama to support his ruling party's candidate in a local election. Politicians receive extra protection after Abe assassination Japan has bolstered security for its politicians after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead on the campaign trail in July 2022. The incident shocked a country that witnesses little violent crime. Japan will host the G-7 summit for world leaders in Hiroshima next month. A series of G7 meetings were underway in Japan ahead of next month's summit.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has underlined the need for taking more robust action than ever to ensure safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for all in the healthcare facilities. He said while speaking at the high-level event entitled: "Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities: Lesson Learned and the Way Forward" jointly organised by Hungary and Philippines at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday, said a press release here. In his remarks, he highlighted the major achievements of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in ensuring safe drinking-water, sanitation and hygiene for all people of the country. Referring to the National Strategy for Water supply and Sanitation 2021, he said that in Bangladesh around 98 percent of our people have access to drinking water, more than 80 percent to improved sanitation facilities, nearly 75 percent to hand-washing facilities. Bangladesh pioneered the community led total sanitation approach for promoting sanitation which is now recognized and replicated in many developing countries, he added.   In light of Bangladesh's successful experiences, Momen offered specific recommendations to check the lack of progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene service worldwide. Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó, Secretary of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Republic of the Philippines Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and Georgian Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze also spoke at the event.   Numbers of diplomats, high officials of the UN and its various organisations, international NGOs working in the water sector and private stakeholders were present at the event. Foreign Minister also attended a high-level side event entitled: "Revitalizing Social Protection Policies for Creating More Accessibility to Drinking Water" jointly organised by Bangladesh Social Scientists Foundation together with BRAC, AOSED, BWOT, Jago Nari, GRAUS and SDA at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York. He also held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and discussed issues of mutual interest.

Senior journalist Hamid Mir said Pakistan has become the most dangerous country in the world for Journalist. He was addressing a gathering held to mark the 13th death anniversary of journalist Musa Khankhel in Swat Press Club. Swat regional information officer Nizam Ali, journalists Fayaz Zafar, Niaz Ahmad Khan, Sherin Zada, Syed Shahabuddin, Ghafoor Khan Adil, Fazal Rahim and Esa Khankhel participated in the function besides civil society members and youth activists. Hamid Mir said that today when the journalist community was observing the death anniversary of Musa Khankhel, another journalist Ather Mateen was shot dead in Karachi. Musa Khankhel remembered as brave journalist. Fatherly he said that the government does not want factual news, but wants news only in its favor in the media. He adding that government considered it against the freedom of press and speech. He said Musa Khankhel was a brave and true journalist who was killed by elements to silence his voice for ever. He added that though he was killed by unidentified elements, he will always be alive in the hearts of people because he offered sacrifice for the protection of people and the land. Other journalists said the killing of Musa Khankhel was a great loss for the people of Swat as he actively highlighted local issues. Fayaz Zafar said that he still remembers that he was fresh and energetic when he was going to participate in the peace rally held by TNSM, but after sometime he received the information about his death. Musa Khankhel’s younger brother and journalist Esa Khankhel said that his brother was not only a brave journalist, but also a very caring brother. He said that we are still in shock over his death, but unfortunately despite many promises the government agencies failed to arrest his culprits. Musa Khankhel was kidnapped and killed when he was returning from a peace rally organised by TNSM on Feb 18, 2009, in Matta tehsil. Source: islamkhabar.com

The National Crime Record Bureau’s report has vindicated the fact that Jammu and Kashmir continues to be a safe destination for foreign tourists. "There was no case of violence, sexual assault, rape, etc. reported from Jammu and Kashmir against the foreigners who have visited the region in these years," the report says. The tourism data shows that most of the foreigners, who visited J&K, had stayed only in the Kashmir division. While the track record of Kashmir in ensuring no crime against foreigners is commendable, the report reveals that on the contrary there have been 22 cases registered against foreigners who have committed crimes in J&K in three years. According to tourism officials, the report should serve as an eye-opener to foreign countries which have barred their citizens from visiting Kashmir. Most of the European countries, the US, Australia and other nations have put adverse travel advisories on Kashmir. "Although we have repeatedly said that Kashmir is a safe destination, these adverse advisories by foreign nations still remain. The tourism department has a very limited role in getting the advisories lifted as we can only request the Ministry of External Affairs and Government of India to take up the issue with the foreign countries," said a senior government official. “This report is a clear reflection of the fact that how Kashmiris treat their guests.  Kashmir’s hospitality is known across the globe and for decades we have welcomed foreigners. But unfortunately in the recent past, there have been some instances where the foreign governments imposed negative travel advisories to Kashmir which has hampered our business. “We urge the government of India to take up the issue of lifting negative advisories keeping in view the ground situation and Home’s Ministry’s data which clearly reflect that Kashmir is a safe place to visit,” said Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya.   He said that over a period of time the Kashmir tourism has been badly hit by negative travel advisories and it is high time to get them lifted so that foreigners will visit the picturesque Kashmir region. Source: India Blooms BM  

The World Health Organization said Friday there was no reason to stop using AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 jab after several countries suspended rollout over blood clot fears, while the hard-hit United States exceeded 100 million doses of vaccine administered to its people. The WHO, which said its vaccines advisory committee was examining the safety data coming in, stressed that no causal link has been established between the AstraZeneca vaccines and clotting. “Yes, we should continue using the AstraZeneca vaccine,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris added, stressing that any concerns over safety must be investigated. UK-based AstraZeneca insisted its jab was safe, adding there is “no evidence” of higher blood clot risks. – New lockdown in Italy – Despite hopes that vaccines will pave the way to a return to normality, hard-hit Italy announced tough new restrictions in much of the country, with Prime Minister Mario Draghi warning the country faced “a new wave” of infections. One year after it became the first European country to face a major outbreak, Italy is again struggling with the rapid spread of Covid-19, this time fuelled by new, more contagious variants. Schools, restaurants, shops and museums were ordered to close across most regions of Italy, including Rome and Milan from next week. Greek authorities spoke of a “serious epidemiological situation” and warned of a third wave as infections mount in Athens and other major towns. Health experts there warned that restriction measures in place, including school closures in major conurbations, would be extended again. Disneyland Paris, one of Europe’s biggest tourist attractions, said it will not be able to reopen as planned on April 2 as infections remain stubbornly high in France. – Another possible side effect – The shadow cast over the AstraZeneca jab is adding to the European Union’s problems distributing vaccines. Denmark, Norway and Iceland paused use of the drugmaker’s shot as a precaution after isolated reports of recipients developing blood clots. Italy and Austria have banned the use of jabs from separate batches of AstraZeneca, and Thailand and Bulgaria said this week they would delay rollout. In Spain at least five regions said they had suspended use of AstraZeneca vaccines from the suspect batch banned by Austria as a precautionary measure. But several other countries, including Australia, said they would continue their rollouts as they had found no reason to alter course. Canada also said there was no evidence the jab causes adverse reactions. In a fresh hit, the EU’s drug regulator said severe allergies should be added to the possible side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine after some likely links were found in Britain. – ‘Secret contracts’ – Austria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz suggested some European countries may have signed “secret contracts” with vaccine companies to receive more doses than they were entitled to based on EU rules. EU members have agreed that vaccines should be distributed among countries based on population size, but Kurz said that after comparing the total procurement figures of member states, it became clear that “deliveries do not follow the per capita quota system”. Despite setbacks elsewhere, US President Joe Biden offered hope to his country, which has battled the largest outbreak in the world. He vowed a return to some kind of normality by July 4, marking the national holiday as his target for “independence” from the virus. After a shaky start, the US has ramped up its vaccination programme, following the advice of scientists who say jabs are the only way out of a pandemic that has killed 2.6 million people around the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 100 million vaccine doses have been administered in the US, around 30 percent of the world’s total of shots in arms so far. There was also encouraging news as the WHO approved Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine, paving the way for an additional 500 million doses to enter the Covax global vaccine-sharing scheme. “Every new, safe and effective tool against Covid-19 is another step closer to controlling the pandemic,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The news comes after the single-dose jab won approval from the European Union on Thursday. It has also received the green light from regulators in the United States, Canada, South Africa and France — which on Friday topped 90,000 coronavirus fatalities. Meanwhile it was announced that India will manufacture at least one billion more Covid-19 vaccine doses by the end of next year in a joint initiative with the United States, Japan and Australia. Following the nations’ first four-way summit, Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, said the so-called Quad had made a “massive joint commitment” to vaccines. “The Quad committed to delivering up to one billion doses to ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific and beyond by the end of 2022,” Sullivan said. Source: AFP/BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday assured the people that the government has paid special attention to keeping them safe from coronavirus amid apprehensions of worsening virus situation in winter months. She said the government will procure a vaccine as soon as it is available and has already given advance money for booking a vaccine which is about to be invented. "We’ve given special attention to how to secure people (from coronavirus) putting aside other issues … So, the people of the country don’t need to be anxious," she said while opening various development projects, including three bridges, in Magura, Narayanganj, Jashore and Pabna through a video conference from her official residence Ganobhaban. Sheikh Hasina said that another wave of coronavirus is coming worldwide and the government is taking its preparations from now to face that. She again urged everyone to follow health instructions. "Keep yourself protected and keep others protected," she said, adding that it is a shared responsibility. The Prime Minister said the government and the people now have the experience of facing COVID-19. "We firmly believe that we’ll be able to do that (successfully tackling a second wave)," she said. Bangladesh reported its first cases on March 8 and the first death on March 18. Although the Prime Minister has been warning of a second wave, the people still appear reluctant to follow health guidelines. The government has recently adopted a ‘no mask, no service’ policy and recently, launched a drive to ensure the use of masks by people. Bridges to spur growth Talking about the newly-constructed bridges in Magura, Narayanganj and Jashore, Sheikh Hasina said that the socio-economic condition of the people will improve with the developed communication system. She said that after coming to power, the Awami League government has built a huge communication network in the country. "As a result, today our economy is very much active, we’ve started so many projects, Inshallah we’ll complete them," she said. Sheikh Hasina said that the newly-constructed bridges in Jashore, Magura and Narayanganj would make the economy stronger, while communication and transportation of goods would be easier. These will also play a very significant role for the socio-economic development of the respective areas and alleviating poverty from the region, she opined. The Prime Minister said the Padma Bridge would make communication networks easier with other parts of the country as the newly-constructed bridges were open to traffic today. Besides, every region, particularly the southern part of the country, would be more developed once the construction of the mega project is completed. Sheikh Hasina said that as a political party, Awami League always worked with a farsighted economic plan and it implemented all the plans undertaken in light of the directives in the Constitution. As a result, the people get good results of the initiatives of the Awami League government, she said. Sheikh Hasina said her government could not implement all of its development plans due to the coronavirus pandemic this year. But, the coordinated efforts of all including administration, police, BGB, RAB, and the Armed Forces, made it possible to keep the economy running, she said and extended her sincere thanks to all concerned for their efforts. LGRD Minister M Tajul Islam and LGRD Secretary Helaluddin Ahmad also spoke joining the event through video conference from the Cabinet division at Bangladesh Secretariat while businessmen Anjan Chowdhury also spoke at the programme from Pabna. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated a number of newly-constructed development projects through video conferencing from Ganobhaban. The projects include newly-constructed 600.7-metre Sheikh Hasina Bridge over Madhumati River at Angkhali Ghat of Mohammad Upazila under Magura district, 576.21m Muktijodhha Golam Dastogir Gazi (Bir Protik) Bridge over Shitaloksha River under Narayanganj, 702.55m bridge over Bhairab River on Amtola Jisivia Moricha-Nauli Bazar road from Jashore-Khulna Highway and Bir Muktijoddha Rafiqul Islam Bakul Shadhinota Square at Pabna. Source: UNB AH

The World Bank (WB) has approved $200 million to help Bangladesh improve access to safe water and sanitation services in rural areas. The Bangladesh Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Human Capital Development Project will help about 600,000 rural people avail safe and clean water through large and small piped water schemes, said a WB press release. It will also provide access to improved sanitation services to over 3.6 million rural people. Through providing better access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities at homes and in public places and motivating people to adopt proper hand washing practices, the project will help prevent diseases and protect from infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, it will address urgent WASH needs during the COVID-19 pandemic in a quick and timely way. “Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in providing access to basic water supply to all and end open-defecation. However the quality of water and sanitation and the link between safe water and sanitation and human capital development remains a challenge,” said Mercy Tembon, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. “This project will provide clean water and sanitation services that will reduce diarrheal diseases, improve nutrition, health, and reduce stunting among children under five, and especially benefit those in vulnerable groups. This will help the country reduce poverty and accelerate economic growth,” she said. In rural areas, the release said only about 3 percent of households had piped water connections in 2017. In addition to investing in large and small piped schemes, the project will facilitate loans for households to improve their water and sanitation facilities and for local WASH entrepreneurs to expand their business. Furthermore, to ensure the quality and sustainability of the piped water schemes and fecal sludge management, the project will train the local entrepreneurs. In crowded public spaces—such as markets, bus stations and community clinics—the project will set up about 2,514 handwashing stations with overhead tanks for running water, drainage, and sanitation facilities, which will be equipped with soaps. “Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts. Extreme weather events and climate change affect the WASH sector by reducing drinking water quality and availability,” said Rokeya Ahmed, World Bank Senior Water Specialist and Team Leader for the project. “The project will build climate-resilient water and sanitation facilities and improve fecal sludge management to reduce contamination of surface water and groundwater,” added the World Bank official. In Bangladesh, the release said about one in every four women use appropriate menstrual materials; the low usage rate leads to infection and often prevents girls from attending school. The project will facilitate micro-finance loans to about 150 female entrepreneurs to sell sanitary napkins at the doorsteps. It will also promote women’s representation and leadership in water management committees at the community level. The project will cover 78 Upazilas in Mymensingh, Rangpur, Chittagong, and Sylhet Divisions. The project will impart a behavioral change campaign for better WASH practices and utilize community health workers to deliver regular training on handwashing, baby WASH, and menstrual hygiene. The credit is from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), which provides concessional financing, has a 30-year term, including a five-year grace period. Bangladesh currently has the largest ongoing IDA program totaling over $13.5 billion. Source: BSS AH

As the world slowly emerges from months of lockdown and opens businesses, there are certain things that people need to do to keep themselves safe in the post-coronavirus era. The lockdown cannot go on for months and countries need to be ‘on the look-out’ for coronavirus and this means, people will have to be prepared to protect themselves. Till date, more than 3.9 million confirmed cases have been reported worldwide with about 275,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Bangladesh has seen an upward trend in number of confirmed cases in recent days. Until Friday, the country reported more than 13,000 cases and over 200 deaths. And the situation is unlikely to improve within the next few days. The country has shut educational institutions and mass transports but allowed businesses to operate ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest festivals of Muslims. So, what should individuals do to better protect themselves after their countries lift restrictive measures before the pandemic is over? WHO says the two main channels of coronavirus transmission are respiratory droplets and contact. And so, continuing to wear personal protective equipment will help, reports Xinhua. In an interim guidance published in April, WHO said wearing a medical mask is one of the prevention measures that can limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including COVID-19. However, masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-washing with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, the WHO noted. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or a bent elbow while coughing or sneezing and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces will also help. It suggests avoiding parks or places recently exposed to coronavirus as protective measures. The WHO also discourages going to crowded places which may contain coronavirus patients and crowds make it difficult to maintain a proper physical distance. On Friday, the Indian think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) discussed in a report how to overcome post-lockdown mass mobility challenges and incorporate social distancing as the "new normal". "Since this crisis is 'novel,' we need to come up with solutions which weren't thought of before, or were rejected for being too futuristic or impractical for a developing and densely populated nation like India," said Paresh Rawal from the ORF. So, here are few things you can do to protect yourself and others: -      wear protective equipment -      wear masks -      covering mouth with tissue papers or bent elbow while sneezing or coughing -      avoiding crowded places and parks -      frequently washing hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water -      maintain social distancing as much as possible Source: UNB AH

A Bell-212 helicopter of Bangladesh Air force made an emergency landing near Bolipara helipad of Rajasthali camp in Rangamati district on Sunday morning. However, all the crew, including its two pilots, are safe and unhurt, said Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) Director Lt Col Abdullah Ibne Jayed. The incident took place around 11:05 am when the helicopter was on its way to Bolipara from Kaptai on completion of its emergency supply mission of the Bangladesh Army. With the skilled handling by the pilots, the helicopter was able to make an emergency landing, some 200 yards off Bolipara helipad of the Rajasthali camp by avoiding the crowded area, without causing any damage to the public. The director of the ISPR directorate said the crew members of the helicopter, including its two pilots-- Squadron Leader Adnan and Flight Lieutenant Shaheed-- are safe and secure. Source: UNB AH

The contribution of remittance warriors is important in the country’s economy. But harassment of broker syndicate and due to lack of awareness among the immigration aspirants, not much benefit is coming out of this sector. Bangladesh’s reputation is being tarnished abroad. For these reasons, the government is going to undertake a project to raise awareness in the immigration sector. Manpower Employment and Training Bureau (BMET) sources said, work in progress to prepare the project proposal (DPP). Through this, an awareness programme will be launched in the country. It is expected that this will reduce the harassment of broker syndicate and create awareness among the people in the immigration sector. Thus, proper utilization of various government provided facilities for expatriates will be ensured. The project aims to prevent ill activities of the broker syndicate, to create awareness about different rules and regulations of the government before going to abroad and for creating a tendency to follow those. It also aims to create awareness about various facilities that can be received in accordance with Bangladesh's agreement with the concerned countries while abroad and to inform expatriate remittance fighters and their family members about various government facilities. Under the project, seminars will be organized in all the districts of the country including divisional cities. Various types of awareness oriented advertisements and dramas will be broadcasted in media. Awareness advertisements and programs will be broadcast on radio and television. The main task of this project will be to uphold the various issues of migration before the people through these programs and advertisements. BMET sources said, the company undertook a five-year program called 'Awareness Development Program for Safe Migration Assurance' in 2017. The cost of the project was estimated at Tk 213 crore with tenure from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2022. In view of the undergoing programme, new awareness projects are also being planned. Meanwhile, sources in the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment said that every year separately budget has been allocated to ensure safe immigration. It said, in 2018-19 fiscal year Tk 71,000 and Tk 10,000 allocated respectively for district and Upazila level for awareness seminars, publicity campaigns, and press briefings. In the current fiscal year, Tk 97,000 and Tk 55,800 has been allocated in divisional and upazila level respectively. Regarding the new project, BMET said, the government is committed to provide all the benefits to expatriates. Because remittance sent by the expatriate Bangladeshis and workers is playing an important role in the socio-economic development of the country. The remittances sent by the expatriates run the wheel of the country's economy. Therefore, the government has also provided expatriates with various facilities. However, due to lack of publicity, many expatriates do not know about the benefits. Therefore, the expatriates are being deprived of various benefits even if the benefits are available. That’s why the ministry is also emphasizing this public awareness programme. BMET Director-General Shamsul Alam said to RtvOnline.com, unawareness is the major obstacle in our immigration sector. Many are deceived due to lack of awareness, also they are deprived of the various privileges provided by the government while staying abroad. Besides, they cannot send message to the representatives of the Bangladesh government on various issues in the country where they work. Again, if a worker goes to a country or if a worker dies, they are deprived of all the benefits that the government has for the workers or their families. The Director-General said, the things I have said are not only the workers being deprived, but indirectly and in some cases, the country is also directly being affected. In view of these issues, we are going to undertake a project to create public awareness. He said, in the last review meeting of project implementation and progress affairs we have informed the expatriate's welfare and overseas employment ministry about the project. In this regard, the ministry has given a positive response, added Shamsul Alam. SJ