The total driving distance from Dhaka's commercial Motijheel district to the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in the Bangladeshi capital's Purbachal new township under construction is approximately 35 km. The hot weather and such a long distance did little to deter businesses from thronging the "Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2023." Some 3,000 people, including top government officials and leading businesses, flocked to the three-day exhibition over the weekend, bringing together companies, especially those from China, under one roof. Scores of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises, banks, and government agencies used more than 120 standard booths to demonstrate the achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Bangladesh. "I came to this exhibition center after seeing the circular of the exhibition," said Bangladeshi Himel, who uses a single name. "I visited the Huawei stall and saw all Huawei technology and career enterprise solutions here," Himel said, adding, "I've also visited many Chinese stalls. It was very nice to visit this exhibition." Himel said Bangladeshi people are also very familiar with Chinese technology and can use an array of high-tech products made in China. In the booth of Akij Jute Mills Limited, Abiruzzaman, the senior manager, was introducing their products to the visitors passionately. "I am very happy to participate here," Abiruzzaman said, adding that "we export to China. They are very good, and their cooperation mentality impressed us." Md Mujibur Rahman, managing director of Powervision Group, was thrilled to be the dealer of Sany Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd. in Bangladesh. Till now, the comprehensive market share of the main construction machinery products from Sany exceeds 30 percent, and the market share was No.1 in Bangladesh for eight consecutive years. "Construction machines are essential for the BRI. According to that requirement, Sany has been in Bangladesh for the past years and will continue to be," he said. The BRI is doing development work in Bangladesh, Rahman said, adding that Bangladeshi people know what the BRI is because "development is not possible in Bangladesh without the BRI." Both the countries benefit mutually from the BRI, a bridge and catalyst in paving the way for the transfer of technology and more investment from China's public and private sectors, said Mohammad Hatem, executive president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), one of the largest associations of Bangladesh's top export earning sector, the readymade garment. He said there are big opportunities for Chinese investors to invest in Bangladesh because "there is a ready market." "We want to go forward with the BRI. Bangladesh will go forward with the help of China and the BRI." Bangladeshi government officials have also called for increased cooperation under the framework of the China-proposed BRI, which they said has brought great changes to the South Asian country. They made the remarks on Friday when speaking at the opening ceremony of "The Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2023," which marks the 10th anniversary of the initiative. The BRI has already brought transformative changes to Bangladesh as "it has strengthened our role as a vital connector in the regional trade network," Lokman Hossain Miah, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said at the ceremony attended by nearly 400 representatives of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises. "Our participation in the BRI is a testament to our shared commitment. So, let us see this moment, harness the opportunities it presents and work together to build a more prosperous and interconnected world," said Miah, a senior secretary of the Bangladeshi government. Under the BRI, he said Bangladesh has implemented mega projects like the Padma Bridge rail link, the 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, and the Bangabandhu Bangladesh China-Friendship Exhibition Center, among others. Addressing the ceremony, A.H.M. Ahsan, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Bangladesh's Export Promotion Bureau, said the BRI put forward 10 years ago is "a visionary project aimed at revitalizing the connectivity among Asia, Europe and Africa." "Over the past decade, we have witnessed the transformative impact of the BRI on global trade and investment, with Bangladesh being an enthusiastic participant in this journey," he noted. Source: Xinhua

Authorities in the eastern French town of Winzheim on Wednesday said 11 people were missing after a blaze broke out at a holiday cottage hosting a group of disabled people. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said it was believed that there were several casualties after the fire ravaged the building. More to come...

Aiming to achieve 100 per cent voluntary blood donations, emphasizing the importance of selflessness in saving lives, the newly established Jammu Blood Center at Lajwanti Hospital in Jammu’s Greater Kailash is all set to become a beacon of hope and service for the people of Jammu and its surrounding regions. Former Secretary of IRCS Jammu Region and founder of YBA (Young Blood Association) Anil Padha expressed his support and appreciation for the initiative. He stated, "Encouraging 100 per cent voluntary blood donation is a noble cause that saves life and fosters a sense of unity and empathy in the community. I am thrilled to witness the establishment of the Jammu Blood Center, and I pledge my full support to this humanitarian endeavour." Navneet Kour, Secretary General of ISBTI Indian Society for Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology J&K Chapter, and President of the Young Blood Association, also praised the efforts of the Center. She said, "The Jammu Blood Center is equipped with the latest medical transfusion technology and a team of well-trained staff, making it a significant milestone in providing quality blood transfusion services to patients in need. We stand in solidarity and promise to extend all possible support to save precious human lives." The Jammu Blood Center's commitment to 100 per cent Blood Components Therapy is another commendable aspect. Dr Paras Khanna, one of the key members, explained, "By focusing on blood components therapy, we can provide personalized and more effective treatment to patients. This approach enhances their chances of recovery and overall well-being." Social reformer, Shalini Khanna graced the occasion with her presence and blessed the endeavour. Expressing her thoughts, she said, "The Jammu Blood Center is a testament to the power of philanthropy and compassion. It is heartwarming to witness the community coming together to support such a noble cause. I encourage all residents of Jammu to actively participate in this Mahayagna of Human Services and contribute to the welfare of those in need." In its efforts to further improve services for the poor, needy, Thalassemic, and Hemophiliac patients, the Jammu Blood Center has ambitious plans to establish a full-fledged Institute of Transfusion Medicine. This institute will provide advanced facilities such as HLA Typing, Platelet Serology, Stem Cells, and a Day Care Centre for Blood Transfusion.

Hundreds of women and children had gathered outside a factory to collect food when the tragedy unfolded. Three children were among the dead in what could be one of the deadliest stampedes in the country. At least 11 people, including three children, were killed in the southern city of Karachi, Pakistan, on Friday when a ration distribution event resulted in a stampede, police said. Since the start of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan, which encourages the distribution of alms to the needy, the stampede is one of the deadliest ones yet in the economically-challenged country. What happened? Hundreds of women and children had gathered outside a factory located in an industrial area called Sindh Industrial and Trading Estate (SITE) to collect food. The company's owner had invited the employees' families to distribute Zakat or charity, according to local media. A day earlier, authorities had ordered police officials to be deployed at Ramadan distribution centers to prevent overcrowding. As the crowd gathered, some women and children fell into an open drain, and a wall nearby also collapsed, as stated by police and residents. The factory owner, who was not present at the event, reportedly did not inform the officials about the event and no proper arrangements were available to deal with an emergency situation. The police detained some of the factory workers shortly after the incident to interrogate them on the matter. Food insecurity and high inflation Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government announced a free flour initiative for millions of Pakistanis struggling with the rampant inflation in the country. Weekly inflation rose to at least 40% year on year, Pakistan's local media reported in mid-March. However, similar incidents have occurred since the start of Ramadan at the flour distribution points. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed its concern for the "marginalized" people of the country who have to face "the economic injustice perpetrated by the elites" of the state in a Tweet. The political instability has further fuelled the worsening economic situation of the country. After the former PM Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote last year, the political crisis has deepened. PM Sharif's government has been trying to revive a $7 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund that was set forth in 2019. So far, talks with the IMF have been unsuccessful as the government has failed to meet IMF's conditions.

A man stabbed two people to death and left several wounded at an Ismaili Muslim center in the Portuguese capital, the prime minister said. A man stabbed two people to death at Lison's Ismaili Muslim center in a "criminal act," Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa said on Tuesday. "The attack left several people wounded and, for the moment, two dead," said the police. What we know about the attack Police said they arrived at the scene at just before 11 a.m. local time after being warned that a knife attack was underway. Police said in a statement that they shot the attacker. "Faced with the serious and ongoing threat, the policemen used firearms against the person, hitting and neutralizing the aggressor," police said. CNN Portugal reported that the alleged attacker was Afghan. The police took the suspect under custody and took him to a hospital in Lisbon.  Costa stated that it was "an isolated incident" and it was "premature to make any interpretation of this criminal act." No details about the identity of the victims have yet been revealed.

A rural community in Thailand was plunged into mourning on Friday after an ex-police officer went on a shooting rampage in the northeastern town of Uthai Sawan. The attack is the country's deadliest shooting rampage on record, with a total of 36 people killed. Out of those, at least 20 of the victims were children. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha are set to visit the town and meet with victims later on Friday. Condolences have flooded in from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and other countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the attack as "both senseless and heartbreaking." Families devastated by violence Distraught parents and other family members gathered outside the front door of the daycare center on Friday morning. They laid white roses on the wooden floor of the center, with family members crying and holding one another. One of the victims, a 2-year-old named Kamram, was described by his loved ones as a sweet and kind child. "Before he passed away he wished to eat pizza. We were very sad that we didn't buy pizza for him before," the boy's aunt, Naliwan Duangkot, told news agency AFP. "He was very sweet, very kind, he always shared things with children, with everyone," she said while comforting the boy's mother, 19-year-old Panita Prawanna. Seksan Sriraj lost his pregnant wife in the attack. She was a teacher at the center and due to give birth to their child later this month. "I cried until I had no more tears coming out of my eyes. They are running through my heart," the 28-year-old told the Associated Press. "My wife and my child have gone to a peaceful place. I am alive and will have to live. If I can't go on, my wife and my child will be worried about me, and they won't be reborn in the next life. That's about it,'' he added. Psychologists were sent to the site to help grieving family members and assist them in starting the process to claim compensation. Royal and government representatives also stood in lines to lay wreaths at the daycare center on Friday morning. What happened in the attack? The attack took place on Thursday afternoon in the rural town of Uthai Sawan in the province of Nongbua Lamphu. The gunman, a 34-year-old fired police officer, began the rampage at the local child care center armed with a pistol and a knife. According to authorities and eye-witnesses, he first shot a teacher outside the nursery — prompting other teachers to lock the center's glass front door. The gunman then shot and kicked through the door and walked towards a classroom where children were taking their afternoon naps, attacking the sleeping 2- and 3-year-olds. He later fled the scene, driving erratically and firing at people on the street. Upon returning home, he killed his wife and child before taking his life, police said. At least 36 people were killed in the attack — over 20 of whom were children. Another 10 people were wounded, with several still being treated in local hospitals. Following the shooting, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered an urgent probe into the attack. Country's worst mass shooting Mass shootings are rare in Thailand, where there are steep penalties for possessing illegal firearms. The rate of gun ownership, however, is higher compared to other countries in the region. The gunman in Thursday's shooting reportedly used a legally-purchased gun. Thailand's previous worst mass shooting occurred in February 2020. During that incident, a soldier went on a rampage, killing at least 29 people and wounding 57 others.

The call center number of Biman Bangladesh Airlines has been changed. The new number will be activated from next Sunday (February 14). The information was delivered on the website of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. It said, the number will be changed from next Sunday. The passengers can avail their services with help of the number 01990997997 instead of the old number 0177715613-16. Calls can be made every day from 8:30 am to 8 pm. The authority of Biman Bangladesh Airlines has requested the passengers to make calls with help of the new number to get any type of information. AH

Three teenagers were killed in clash at Jashore juvenile correctional center. The incident took place at the correctional center in the afternoon. The dead bodies were sent to the morgue of Jashore 250-bed General Hospital in the evening. The deceased are- Nayeem Hossain (17), son of Nannu Pramanik from Shibganj in Bogura, Parvez Hasan Rabbi (18), son of Roza Mia from Daulatpur in Khulna and Rasel Hossain (18). The detail address of Rasel yet to be known. Nayeem Hossain was an accused of rape case and Parvez was an accused of murder case. Additional Police Super of Jashore Touhidul Alam confirmed the incident. According to the eyewitnesses, the staffs of the correctional center brought three dead bodies in the hospital in three phases and left the spot. Jashore DSB Inspector M Moshiur Rahman said, an incident of clash took place in the correctional center and three teenagers were killed. But we could not confirm why and when the killing took place. Hospital physician Amiya Das said, all were brought dead in the hospital. There were marks of injury in their bodies. AH

At least 18 students were killed after a massive fire broke out at a coaching centre in Gujarat's Surat on Friday afternoon. Videos posted by witnesses on social media showed several students jumping out of windows on the top floor of the four-storey building to escape the blaze. Most of the students are said to be between the ages of 14 and 17. Disturbing visuals showed people on the pavement asking the students to jump off the burning building, hoping to catch them. Among those seen falling was a young child. "Some of these students are critical but the crowd managed to save their lives," Darshana Jardosh, the parliamentarian from Surat, told NDTV.   The fire, which broke out at around 3:30 pm, engulfed the top two floors of the commercial building called Takshashila Arcade in the Sarthana area of Surat, officials said. Huge plumes of smoke covered the area. Local residents were seen helping in the rescue operation. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire. The owners of the building are on the run, police officials said. It did not have a functioning fire escape. A fire official said 19 fire engines were sent in to control the fire. "Students on fourth and third floor jumped off to the ground to save themselves from fire and smoke. Many have been rescued and sent to hospital", the fire official told news agency PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the incident. An investigation has been ordered into the incident and the state government has promised to give Rs. 4 lakh to each of the families of those killed. Fire safety in India is often neglected leading to devastating tragedies with alarming frequency. More than 17,000 people died in fires in 2015 alone, according to government data, the last year for which figures are available, one of the largest causes of accidental death in the country. Source: ND TV AH

The new integrated Indian visa center is going to be inaugurated at Jamuna Future Park at Baridhara in the capital. After the inauguration the existing E-token (Interview) system is going to be withdrawn. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh will jointly inaugurate the application center at 11:30 am on Saturday. The Indian High Commission said this in a press release on Friday. The press release said, all the existing visa application centers in Dhaka will be replaced by the new visa application center at Jamuna Future Park. Visa application centers at Motijheel and Uttara will be replaced on July 15, 2018 and the rest two visa application centers at Gulshan and Mirpur Road will also be shifted to the new visa center by August 31, 2018. Then the new center will be the only visa application center in Dhaka without pre fixed interview schedule for obtaining all types of visas. The press release said, the visa center at Jamuna Future Park will be a model visa center. Situated at a commercial area this 18,500 square feet visa center will be decorated with computerized token vending machine, comfortable sitting arrangement and air conditioned waiting place, coffee and soft drink vending machine, food court and 48 counters for application submission. There will be separate counters for senior citizens, women, freedom fighters and business visa applicants.  There will be counters for special help desk and other service like printing and photocopy which can be availed by payment. As it is situated in a wide and safe shopping center so comfortable and uninterrupted visa service can be offered and people also will get time to wait. It also said, the center at Jamuna Future Park was built with help of State Bank of India to coordinate visa application service and to strengthen the Indian visa application process for strengthening the relation between the people of India and Bangladesh. AH