Country`s private carrier US-BANGLA Airlines is set to fly to Singapore tomorrow morning as its fifth international destination.
The Singapore-bound maiden flight will leave Dhaka at 11pm (local time) with 164-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft and is scheduled to reach the destination at 5.15am (local time).
"We are operating flight on this route as Singapore is one of the most important cities in Asia besides there is a good demand from passengers," said US-BANGLA Managing Director Muhammed Abdullah Al Mamun.
Besides, the return flight will start from Singapore at 6.15 am (local time) and will land in Dhaka at 8.30am (local time).
US-BANGLA will operate Dhaka-Singapore-Dhaka flight on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Initially, the minimum fare for Dhaka-Singapore route has been fixed at BDT 19,999 and with return, BDT 24,499 inclusive of all taxes and surcharges.
The Boeing 737-800 has 8 business-class and 156 economy seats.
Now, the US-BANGLA is operating international flights to Muscat from Dhaka and Chittagong and to Kolkata from Dhaka daily and weekly 5 flights to Kuala Lumpur with Boeing 737- 800 aircraft. In addition, flights on Dhaka-Kathmandu route is being operated three days in a week.
Mamun said: "They have planned to expand their footprint to Bangkok, Guangzhou, Doha and Paro within a short possible time."
Besides, in domestic routes, the airlines is operating six flights in Dhaka-Chittagong, three flights in Dhaka-Cox`s Bazar, three flights in Dhaka-Jessore, two flights in Dhaka-Saidpur and one flight in Dhaka-Sylhet route daily. And three flights in Dhaka-Barisal and Dhaka-Rajshahi routes are being operated weekly.
Currently, US-BANGLA has six aircraft in its fleet, of which three are Boeing 737-800 and three are Dash8- Q400.
"Within August, 2017, the forth Boeing 737-800 and DASH8-Q400 aircraft will join to its fleet as well," added US-BANGLA Managing Director.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Turkey, Germany must rebuild friendship 'step by step': German FM
Germany and Turkey must work towards restoring ties frayed by a series of disputes, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Wednesday, while warning Ankara that any comparison to Nazis is a "red line that cannot be crossed".
Ankara and Berlin have been locked in a new row over the past week because of a ban imposed by several German local authorities on rallies by Turkish ministers.
The dispute is the latest in a long list of problems that have plagued ties, and comes just after Ankara's arrest of a journalist for German daily Die Welt that sparked consternation in Berlin.
On Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the stakes when he told a rally in Istanbul that the German ban against his ministers is "not different from the Nazi practices of the past".
Hosting his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for talks on Wednesday,Gabriel said he "made clear that comparisons between Nazi-era and the cancellation of rallies or rule of law in Germany is forbidden."
"Both sides have the responsibility to simply not cross certain red lines,and comparisons to Nazi Germany is one of them," said Gabriel.
Despite their deep differences on a host of issues, "there is no alternative to dialogue because that is the only way we can return step by step to a normal and friendly relationship," added Gabriel.
Ankara and Berlin have been locked in a new row over the past week because of a ban imposed by several German local authorities on rallies by Turkish ministers.
The dispute is the latest in a long list of problems that have plagued ties, and comes just after Ankara's arrest of a journalist for German daily Die Welt that sparked consternation in Berlin.
On Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the stakes when he told a rally in Istanbul that the German ban against his ministers is "not different from the Nazi practices of the past".
Hosting his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu for talks on Wednesday,Gabriel said he "made clear that comparisons between Nazi-era and the cancellation of rallies or rule of law in Germany is forbidden."
"Both sides have the responsibility to simply not cross certain red lines,and comparisons to Nazi Germany is one of them," said Gabriel.
Despite their deep differences on a host of issues, "there is no alternative to dialogue because that is the only way we can return step by step to a normal and friendly relationship," added Gabriel.
Over 30 dead as gunmen dressed as doctors raid Kabul hospital
Gunmen dressed as doctors stormed
Afghanistan's largest military hospital Wednesday, killing more than 30 people in a six-hour attack claimed by the Islamic State group as it makes inroads into the war-battered country.
Around 50 others were wounded in the assault on the Sardar Daud Khan
hospital, with explosions and gunfire rattling Kabul's diplomatic district as dense clouds of smoke rose in the sky.
Medical staff hunkered down in the hospital wards posted desperate messages for help on social media. Television footage showed some of them trapped on the ledge of a top-floor window.
"Attackers are inside the hospital. Pray for us," a hospital staff member wrote on Facebook.
Hospital administrators told AFP three gunmen wearing white laboratory coats began spraying bullets after a suicide bomber on foot blew himself up at the backdoor entrance, sparking chaos inside the 400-bed facility.
"I saw one of the attackers, armed with an AK-47 and dressed as a doctor, shooting at patients and guards on the third floor," hospital nurse Abdul Qadeer told AFP.
"They shot my friend but I managed to flee... I had to jump over the barbed wire to escape."
At least two other loud explosions -- including what the defence ministry called a car bomb in the hospital's parking lot -- were heard as Afghan special forces launched a clearance operation that lasted around six hours.
The attackers were gunned down after special forces landed on the roof of the hospital in a military helicopter.
"More than 30 people were killed and around 50 wounded in today's attack," defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP. "Most of the victims are patients, doctors and nurses."
- 'Criminal act' -
Afghanistan's warring parties, including government forces, have repeatedly targeted medical facilities, decimating the country's fragile health system and preventing conflict-displaced civilians from accessing life-saving care.
"This is a criminal act. Nothing can justify an attack on hospitals," Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said of the latest attack.
"We will never forgive these criminals. Unfortunately, this attack has resulted in some casualties." Islamic State jihadists claimed the attack via a verified Telegram account.
The more powerful Taliban said they were not behind the raid. The militant group, Afghanistan's largest, is known to distance itself from attacks on medical facilities or those that result in high civilian casualties.
The assault comes just a week after 16 people were killed in simultaneous Taliban suicide assaults on two security compounds in Kabul.
Dozens of others were wounded as a suicide car bomber struck an Afghan police precinct in western Kabul and a five-hour gun battle ensued after another attacker sneaked in.
In the second attack last week, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of an Afghan intelligence agency branch in eastern Kabul.
The carnage underscores rising insecurity. The country is bracing for an intense fighting season in the spring as the government's repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed.
Afghan forces, already beset by record casualties, desertions and non-existent "ghost soldiers" on the payroll, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014.
Kabul last month endorsed US General John Nicholson's call for thousands of additional coalition troops to hold off the militants before the spring offensive.
Extra troops were needed to end the stalemate in the war, Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told the US Congress in what could be President Donald Trump's first major test of military strategy.
Afghanistan's largest military hospital Wednesday, killing more than 30 people in a six-hour attack claimed by the Islamic State group as it makes inroads into the war-battered country.
Around 50 others were wounded in the assault on the Sardar Daud Khan
hospital, with explosions and gunfire rattling Kabul's diplomatic district as dense clouds of smoke rose in the sky.
Medical staff hunkered down in the hospital wards posted desperate messages for help on social media. Television footage showed some of them trapped on the ledge of a top-floor window.
"Attackers are inside the hospital. Pray for us," a hospital staff member wrote on Facebook.
Hospital administrators told AFP three gunmen wearing white laboratory coats began spraying bullets after a suicide bomber on foot blew himself up at the backdoor entrance, sparking chaos inside the 400-bed facility.
"I saw one of the attackers, armed with an AK-47 and dressed as a doctor, shooting at patients and guards on the third floor," hospital nurse Abdul Qadeer told AFP.
"They shot my friend but I managed to flee... I had to jump over the barbed wire to escape."
At least two other loud explosions -- including what the defence ministry called a car bomb in the hospital's parking lot -- were heard as Afghan special forces launched a clearance operation that lasted around six hours.
The attackers were gunned down after special forces landed on the roof of the hospital in a military helicopter.
"More than 30 people were killed and around 50 wounded in today's attack," defence ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told AFP. "Most of the victims are patients, doctors and nurses."
- 'Criminal act' -
Afghanistan's warring parties, including government forces, have repeatedly targeted medical facilities, decimating the country's fragile health system and preventing conflict-displaced civilians from accessing life-saving care.
"This is a criminal act. Nothing can justify an attack on hospitals," Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said of the latest attack.
"We will never forgive these criminals. Unfortunately, this attack has resulted in some casualties." Islamic State jihadists claimed the attack via a verified Telegram account.
The more powerful Taliban said they were not behind the raid. The militant group, Afghanistan's largest, is known to distance itself from attacks on medical facilities or those that result in high civilian casualties.
The assault comes just a week after 16 people were killed in simultaneous Taliban suicide assaults on two security compounds in Kabul.
Dozens of others were wounded as a suicide car bomber struck an Afghan police precinct in western Kabul and a five-hour gun battle ensued after another attacker sneaked in.
In the second attack last week, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of an Afghan intelligence agency branch in eastern Kabul.
The carnage underscores rising insecurity. The country is bracing for an intense fighting season in the spring as the government's repeated bids to launch peace negotiations with the Taliban have failed.
Afghan forces, already beset by record casualties, desertions and non-existent "ghost soldiers" on the payroll, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014.
Kabul last month endorsed US General John Nicholson's call for thousands of additional coalition troops to hold off the militants before the spring offensive.
Extra troops were needed to end the stalemate in the war, Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, told the US Congress in what could be President Donald Trump's first major test of military strategy.
Spanish climber abandons winter Everest summit attempt
A Spanish climber Wednesday abandoned his attempt to make the first winter summit of Mount Everest in over two decades, saying it would have been "suicidal" to push on.
Extreme cold and strong winds forced Alex Txikon, 35, to return to base camp, giving up his bid to scale the world's highest mountain without using oxygen tanks.
The last successful winter summit of Everest was in 1993 by a Japanese team. But no one has reached the peak in winter without additional oxygen since a Nepali mountaineer in December 1987.
"It would have been suicidal to continue," Txikon said from base camp, according to a statement released by his team.
"As the person responsible for the expedition, I must not endanger the lives of my companions and also not my own. And believe me, it is more difficult for me to go down to base camp than to go up to C4 (camp four)," added the experienced climber who last year made the first ever winter ascent of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, which has been nicknamed "Killer Mountain".
Txikon's expedition to make a rare winter ascent of the 8,848 metre (29,030 foot) peak was mired by setbacks.
The Spaniard was forced to return to Kathmandu in mid-February after making it as far as camp four -- the last before the summit -- following a disagreement with his expedition organisers.
He returned to Everest last week with a new team of Sherpa guides.
Txikon's climbing partner, Spanish skier Carlos Rubio, 28, pulled out in late January after being crippled by altitude sickness while at camp two -- 6,400 metres above sea level.
Meanwhile the government liason officer who was meant to accompany the team died of altitude sickness before even reaching base camp in mid-January.
Txikon is expected to return to Kathmandu within days and fly back to Spain next week, Gontzal S enz, a member of his organising team, told AFP.
Most people attempt to summit Everest during a narrow window of favourable weather between late April and May.
Mountaineering experts say climbing in winter is more dangerous than in spring, owing to high winds and temperatures that can plunge as low as minus 60 C.
The extreme cold also makes it more difficult for the body to absorb
oxygen, which is already limited at high altitude.
Mountaineering is a major revenue earner for impoverished Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 peaks over 8,000 metres
Extreme cold and strong winds forced Alex Txikon, 35, to return to base camp, giving up his bid to scale the world's highest mountain without using oxygen tanks.
The last successful winter summit of Everest was in 1993 by a Japanese team. But no one has reached the peak in winter without additional oxygen since a Nepali mountaineer in December 1987.
"It would have been suicidal to continue," Txikon said from base camp, according to a statement released by his team.
"As the person responsible for the expedition, I must not endanger the lives of my companions and also not my own. And believe me, it is more difficult for me to go down to base camp than to go up to C4 (camp four)," added the experienced climber who last year made the first ever winter ascent of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, which has been nicknamed "Killer Mountain".
Txikon's expedition to make a rare winter ascent of the 8,848 metre (29,030 foot) peak was mired by setbacks.
The Spaniard was forced to return to Kathmandu in mid-February after making it as far as camp four -- the last before the summit -- following a disagreement with his expedition organisers.
He returned to Everest last week with a new team of Sherpa guides.
Txikon's climbing partner, Spanish skier Carlos Rubio, 28, pulled out in late January after being crippled by altitude sickness while at camp two -- 6,400 metres above sea level.
Meanwhile the government liason officer who was meant to accompany the team died of altitude sickness before even reaching base camp in mid-January.
Txikon is expected to return to Kathmandu within days and fly back to Spain next week, Gontzal S enz, a member of his organising team, told AFP.
Most people attempt to summit Everest during a narrow window of favourable weather between late April and May.
Mountaineering experts say climbing in winter is more dangerous than in spring, owing to high winds and temperatures that can plunge as low as minus 60 C.
The extreme cold also makes it more difficult for the body to absorb
oxygen, which is already limited at high altitude.
Mountaineering is a major revenue earner for impoverished Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 peaks over 8,000 metres
Feminism not about male bashing: Alia Bhatt
- Alia Bhatt says feminism calls for gender equality but people misunderstand the essence of it and end up associating it with male bashing.
The actress says feminism does not demand "special" treatment for women.
"Being a feminist is not only limited to girls. Even a man can be a
feminist. It is about equality and everyone believes in equality. People usually misunderstand the essence of feminism. It is not about male bashing.
"I am not saying women are greater than men. I don't believe it is the right way to put it. I just feel there should be similar treatment (for both)," Alia told PTI.
The 23-year-old star says she may not be a part of any women rights
campaign, but it does not mean that she is not a feminist.
Alia believes enough has been said about women empowerment and people should realise that "equality" is a woman's birth right.
"If you are not campaigning for women rights you are not a feminist, that is also a big confusion. Even if I don't campaign, I am a feminist. As the youth of today, I don't want more conversation on women empowerment because I feel that it is all talk and I don't understand this talk. Equality is our birth right."
The actress says she could identify with her character of 'Vaidehi' in her upcoming film "Badrinath Ki Dulhania".
"I am closer to Vadehi. She is a feminist and very ambitious. I love that about her and I really connected with that. She is very sensitive but at the same time she is more mature."
Directed by Shashank Khaitan and also starring Varun Dhawan in the male lead, "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" will release this Friday.
The actress says feminism does not demand "special" treatment for women.
"Being a feminist is not only limited to girls. Even a man can be a
feminist. It is about equality and everyone believes in equality. People usually misunderstand the essence of feminism. It is not about male bashing.
"I am not saying women are greater than men. I don't believe it is the right way to put it. I just feel there should be similar treatment (for both)," Alia told PTI.
The 23-year-old star says she may not be a part of any women rights
campaign, but it does not mean that she is not a feminist.
Alia believes enough has been said about women empowerment and people should realise that "equality" is a woman's birth right.
"If you are not campaigning for women rights you are not a feminist, that is also a big confusion. Even if I don't campaign, I am a feminist. As the youth of today, I don't want more conversation on women empowerment because I feel that it is all talk and I don't understand this talk. Equality is our birth right."
The actress says she could identify with her character of 'Vaidehi' in her upcoming film "Badrinath Ki Dulhania".
"I am closer to Vadehi. She is a feminist and very ambitious. I love that about her and I really connected with that. She is very sensitive but at the same time she is more mature."
Directed by Shashank Khaitan and also starring Varun Dhawan in the male lead, "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" will release this Friday.
Jackie Chan: foreign 'pressure' good for Chinese films
Action star Jackie Chan said opening up China's heavily-restricted film market to more foreign works would put positive pressure on local filmmakers, as rumours swirl Beijing will expand its quota on imported movies.
Since 2012, China has permitted 34 films to be imported from overseas each year, but the state-run Global Times newspaper reported last month that Chinese and US officials are renegotiating the limit.
A shakeup in domestic movie offerings would challenge Chinese filmmakers to produce better work, Chan told reporters at a Tuesday press conference during the annual gathering of China's political advisory committee, of which he is a member.
"Their technology is more advanced than ours, but on the other hand, we will have more opportunities to watch their films and learn from them," he said.
"We are concerned -- very afraid -- but I believe that this kind of pressure is a positive thing...the more films that come in, the more we will ourselves improve."
Hollywood films accounted for more than half of China's 45.3 billion yuan ($6.6 billion) in ticket sales last year.
Several Chinese executives also made investments in major Hollywood studios in 2016, drawing attention to China's growing influence over US film.
The Beijing-based Wanda Group broke records last January by paying $3.5 billion for Legendary Pictures, the maker of "Jurassic World" and "Godzilla."
This move was followed by Alibaba billionaire Jack Ma's investment in Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners and a reportedly $1 billion agreement between Paramount and two Chinese companies.
The deals have been accompanied by concerns that Hollywood is increasingly pandering to Chinese audiences.
Chan said he frequently fields collaboration requests from firms eager to exploit the country's burgeoning box office, now the world's second-largest movie market after North America.
"I recently attended a meeting with several major executives who said 'okay' to every suggestion I gave," he said.
"My assistant told me, 'You're so awesome.' I said, 'I'm not awesome. It's today's Chinese market that is awesome.' Everyone wants to do business here."
Since 2012, China has permitted 34 films to be imported from overseas each year, but the state-run Global Times newspaper reported last month that Chinese and US officials are renegotiating the limit.
A shakeup in domestic movie offerings would challenge Chinese filmmakers to produce better work, Chan told reporters at a Tuesday press conference during the annual gathering of China's political advisory committee, of which he is a member.
"Their technology is more advanced than ours, but on the other hand, we will have more opportunities to watch their films and learn from them," he said.
"We are concerned -- very afraid -- but I believe that this kind of pressure is a positive thing...the more films that come in, the more we will ourselves improve."
Hollywood films accounted for more than half of China's 45.3 billion yuan ($6.6 billion) in ticket sales last year.
Several Chinese executives also made investments in major Hollywood studios in 2016, drawing attention to China's growing influence over US film.
The Beijing-based Wanda Group broke records last January by paying $3.5 billion for Legendary Pictures, the maker of "Jurassic World" and "Godzilla."
This move was followed by Alibaba billionaire Jack Ma's investment in Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners and a reportedly $1 billion agreement between Paramount and two Chinese companies.
The deals have been accompanied by concerns that Hollywood is increasingly pandering to Chinese audiences.
Chan said he frequently fields collaboration requests from firms eager to exploit the country's burgeoning box office, now the world's second-largest movie market after North America.
"I recently attended a meeting with several major executives who said 'okay' to every suggestion I gave," he said.
"My assistant told me, 'You're so awesome.' I said, 'I'm not awesome. It's today's Chinese market that is awesome.' Everyone wants to do business here."
Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Bill, 2017 placed in JS
The "Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Bill, 2017" was placed in the Jatiya Sangsad today making provisions for establishing an institute to this effect for conducting research on innovating improved variety of jute, simplifying production and devising technologies for diversified use of jute.
Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury introduced the bill in the House with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
Despite annulment of the Jute Research Act, 1974, the bill has proposed retaining the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute established under this law as if it has been set up as per the same act. The bill also recommended keeping the head office of the institute in Dhaka.
The bill has ascertained nine specific activities to be carried out by the institute. The bill says whatever contained in this law the institute will abide by the instructions, recommendations and advices received from Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council.
The bill also recommended constituting a board comprising directors of the institute with the director general as the chairman for running the institute.
The bill has also made specific provisions, including the authority of formulating rules and regulations, for carrying out activities relating to the board, board meetings, appointment of the director general, authority and responsibility of the director general, appointment of directors, recruitment of employees, fund, budget, accounting and auditing, report, formation of committees, power of taking loans, singing agreements, foreign training and education, appointment of researchers and technologists and awarding fellowships.
Accepting the bill, the House sent it to the concerned parliamentary standing committee for scrutiny and reporting back within fifteen working days.
Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury introduced the bill in the House with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
Despite annulment of the Jute Research Act, 1974, the bill has proposed retaining the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute established under this law as if it has been set up as per the same act. The bill also recommended keeping the head office of the institute in Dhaka.
The bill has ascertained nine specific activities to be carried out by the institute. The bill says whatever contained in this law the institute will abide by the instructions, recommendations and advices received from Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council.
The bill also recommended constituting a board comprising directors of the institute with the director general as the chairman for running the institute.
The bill has also made specific provisions, including the authority of formulating rules and regulations, for carrying out activities relating to the board, board meetings, appointment of the director general, authority and responsibility of the director general, appointment of directors, recruitment of employees, fund, budget, accounting and auditing, report, formation of committees, power of taking loans, singing agreements, foreign training and education, appointment of researchers and technologists and awarding fellowships.
Accepting the bill, the House sent it to the concerned parliamentary standing committee for scrutiny and reporting back within fifteen working days.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Every society needs a Meena to fight injustice
Meena was not merely a cartoon character to me. She was my first teacher as I learned about the potential contributions that girls can make for the society if they are given equal opportunities like boys," said Rashida Akter, an employee of a private firm when her observation was sought about the famous cartoon character "Meena".
"Possibly, it was 1993 when BTV started airing Meena. It attracted me more because of my age . . . Meena was 9 or 10 as I was," said Rashida who is now in her 30s.
You are now a grown up lady of two children, what would have happened to Meena if she would have taken birth in a lower-middle income family like you, Rashida said, "Meena could have become a highly educated professional woman and I am sure, Meena would have remained vocal about the rights of women."
Same question was asked to some other professional women and most of them are of same opinion- "Meena cartoon has helped to change discriminatory mindset about girls in the society."
Meena would have been a well-educated lady who would have continued her campaign against women repression in the society. They said eve-teasing, social unrest, drug addiction and militancy are the major problems in the society and suggested making more cartoons like Meena to create public awareness about these social problems.
Fictional character Meena, who stars in the South Asian children's
television show, spreads messages against stopping child marriage and the practice of dowry, promotes healthy toilet use, sending girls to schools, equality between boys and girls and the right to education for the domestic workers.
"As Meena's role in the cartoon was mainly to create awareness among people
of all level about discrimination against girl child, it is natural that she would have continued to play the same role at her grown-up stage," said Rebeka Rehman, a private bank official.
"I still try to watch Meena cartoon on TV and encourage my two children to watch it," said Rebeka who is a mother of two girls.
Like Rebeka, Rita and Mahmuda said they were attracted by the Meena
cartoon because it spread an important message that girls can play a vital role for the welfare of the society if the family, society and the state extend their cooperation.
"I was a regular viewer of Meena cartoon because Meena and two other secondary characters -- Meena's brother Raju and her pet parrot Mithu -- were going to school together and playing together to promote child rights," said Rita, a teacher of a private school.
Mahmuda said Meena cartoon played a very important role in promoting awareness against child marriage, child labour as well as social disparity.
"I think, Meena would have continued her struggle against all social
equalities, especially against repression on girls. Every society needs a Meena in real sense to continue movement for establishing the rights of distressed people of all level," said Mahmuda, owner of a boutique shop.
UNICEF developed the Meena Communication Initiative (MCI) as a mass
communication project aimed at changing perceptions and behavior that hamper the survival, protection and development of girls in South Asia.
In 1998, Bangladesh marked Meena Day on the national calendar because of its huge popularity and the day is celebrated every year.
"Possibly, it was 1993 when BTV started airing Meena. It attracted me more because of my age . . . Meena was 9 or 10 as I was," said Rashida who is now in her 30s.
You are now a grown up lady of two children, what would have happened to Meena if she would have taken birth in a lower-middle income family like you, Rashida said, "Meena could have become a highly educated professional woman and I am sure, Meena would have remained vocal about the rights of women."
Same question was asked to some other professional women and most of them are of same opinion- "Meena cartoon has helped to change discriminatory mindset about girls in the society."
Meena would have been a well-educated lady who would have continued her campaign against women repression in the society. They said eve-teasing, social unrest, drug addiction and militancy are the major problems in the society and suggested making more cartoons like Meena to create public awareness about these social problems.
Fictional character Meena, who stars in the South Asian children's
television show, spreads messages against stopping child marriage and the practice of dowry, promotes healthy toilet use, sending girls to schools, equality between boys and girls and the right to education for the domestic workers.
"As Meena's role in the cartoon was mainly to create awareness among people
of all level about discrimination against girl child, it is natural that she would have continued to play the same role at her grown-up stage," said Rebeka Rehman, a private bank official.
"I still try to watch Meena cartoon on TV and encourage my two children to watch it," said Rebeka who is a mother of two girls.
Like Rebeka, Rita and Mahmuda said they were attracted by the Meena
cartoon because it spread an important message that girls can play a vital role for the welfare of the society if the family, society and the state extend their cooperation.
"I was a regular viewer of Meena cartoon because Meena and two other secondary characters -- Meena's brother Raju and her pet parrot Mithu -- were going to school together and playing together to promote child rights," said Rita, a teacher of a private school.
Mahmuda said Meena cartoon played a very important role in promoting awareness against child marriage, child labour as well as social disparity.
"I think, Meena would have continued her struggle against all social
equalities, especially against repression on girls. Every society needs a Meena in real sense to continue movement for establishing the rights of distressed people of all level," said Mahmuda, owner of a boutique shop.
UNICEF developed the Meena Communication Initiative (MCI) as a mass
communication project aimed at changing perceptions and behavior that hamper the survival, protection and development of girls in South Asia.
In 1998, Bangladesh marked Meena Day on the national calendar because of its huge popularity and the day is celebrated every year.
BGMEA to get land in Uttara to build a new building
Government will give a piece of land to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to establish its headquarters in the capital’s Uttara by two years.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed gave the information while talking to newsmen at his secretariat office on Monday.
“We must obey the verdict of Supreme Court. BGMEA is looking for a land. We will give them a piece of land in city’s Uttara area,” said the minister.
The remark came after court asked government to take action to demolish BGMEA headquarter. On Sunday, the appellate division of the Supreme Court dismissed a petition of review which made it clear that the current BGMEA headquarters must be pulled down.
The SC on Thursday will give the order of how long it would take time to demolish the building.
Earlier, the apex court ordered Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to demolish its building at its own cost. Otherwise RAJUK will demolish BGMEA complex after passing three month. The BGMEA authority must pay demolition cost.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed gave the information while talking to newsmen at his secretariat office on Monday.
“We must obey the verdict of Supreme Court. BGMEA is looking for a land. We will give them a piece of land in city’s Uttara area,” said the minister.
The remark came after court asked government to take action to demolish BGMEA headquarter. On Sunday, the appellate division of the Supreme Court dismissed a petition of review which made it clear that the current BGMEA headquarters must be pulled down.
The SC on Thursday will give the order of how long it would take time to demolish the building.
Earlier, the apex court ordered Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to demolish its building at its own cost. Otherwise RAJUK will demolish BGMEA complex after passing three month. The BGMEA authority must pay demolition cost.
Thousands seek immigrant rights in Portugal
Last few months immigrants are not getting their basic human rights. Thousands of immigrants are staying and working in Portugal still now. They are also paying taxes to Portuguese social security by maintaining Portuguese immigration act (23/2007). But they`re not getting the residence and basic human rights.
Many of immigrants didn`t receive their residence card after passing one year and more months. In the last few months illegal immigrants did two big demonstration and campaign. One was in the front of the Portuguese parliament and another was near the Bangladeshi community reside which is called Martim muniz.
Solidarity immigrant activist jessica lopez said, “We still keep pressurizing to the government to change the immigration law. And our fight for the immigration rights will carry on till we get the rights for the immigrants.
Another activist Francisco Miguel said, “This Government of the Socialist Party has had a policy of immigration similar to the Parties of the Extreme Right European. If this Government wants to have a democratic and credible emigration policy, it has to give a residence visa to all emigrants, especially to those who have a contract of employment, pay Social Security and pay their taxes to the Portuguese State. It is necessary to revoke SEF Order No. 7/2016 of 21 March and to amend the Law so that all have documents and human rights.”
According to Bangladesh community of Portugal president Shah Alam Kazol said on the issue of the illegal immigrants of Bangladesh we shall continue dialogue with the Portuguese government and the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) at a higher level. We had several meeting with government most important personnel’s.
They all are taking this issue as a serious issue of the country. And the Ruling government (Socialist party) also wants a stable immigration act for the immigrants, Shah Alam Kazol added. As a result of last few demonstrations, 65 first class Portuguese citizens showed up their solidarity for the immigrants. Most of them are famous Portuguese author, politician, journalist and many more retired government officials. Recently in the Portuguese parliament Portuguese communist party (PCP) and Bloco de esquerda proposed 2 bills in favor of immigrants.
Immigrant’s community gives thanks and their satisfaction to PCP and bloco de esquerda for speaking out for the immigrants and their problems. Portuguese communist party (PCP) also showed the naturalization law, Immigrant children who born in Portugal they should get Portuguese residency by born in Portuguese territory, But practically it is not happening. Immigrant children’s are waiting and waiting more years to get the Portuguese citizenship. They don’t get health care and education facility until they have the citizenship.
According to Bangladeshi community people - many of them said about this bill on the parliament, they said this is a proposal only. We had many promises in past. But nothing really happened yet, even SEF promised us to speed up their process.
As consequences SEF are slower now than ever in history. Even they are not giving any new appointment for article 88.2 applicants. We don’t want any more promises, we need our legal rights. Now solidarity immigrant`s demand is immigrants who are already in Portugal and paying taxes by following Portuguese immigration act the residence card for them and also immigrant children who born in Portugal they should get the Portuguese citizenship without any barrier.
To do it discussable in the parliament Solidarity immigrants start taking signature on the petition where 4500 signature needed. They already started the signature campaign for the petition.
Govt allows export of sand at Tk 1 per cft
The government has decided to allow the export of sand to Singapore and Maldives at Tk 1 per cubic foot.
The decision was taken at a meeting of National Sand Corridor Management Committee on Monday with land minister Shamsur Rahman Sharif in the chair.
Sharif said sand can be lifted experimentally for six months initially from the proposed site of Jamuna River by keeping the flows normal for river traffic and navigability. If any adverse impact on the environment is detected, the dredging will be kept stopped, he added.
Earlier, Infrastructure Dredging Limited applied to the ministry of water resources seeking permission for dredging Jamuna River and exporting the sand to Singapore and Maldives at its own cost initially for a period of two years.
Later, the land ministry, water resources ministry and shipping ministry discussed the proposal of Infrastructure Dredging Limited at a meeting of National Sand Corridor Management Committee on October 18, 2016. In the meeting, a five-member team was formed to make recommendation on the export rate of sand.
Shipping minister Sahjahan Khan, water resources minister Anisul Islam Mahmud and state minister for land Saifuzzaman Chowdhury attended the meeting.
Senior land secretary Mesbah ul Alam, senior water resources secretary Dr Zafar Ahmed Khan, shipping secretary Ashok Madhab Roy and Infrastructure Dredging Limited chairman M A Mannan were present.
Source: BSS
The decision was taken at a meeting of National Sand Corridor Management Committee on Monday with land minister Shamsur Rahman Sharif in the chair.
Sharif said sand can be lifted experimentally for six months initially from the proposed site of Jamuna River by keeping the flows normal for river traffic and navigability. If any adverse impact on the environment is detected, the dredging will be kept stopped, he added.
Earlier, Infrastructure Dredging Limited applied to the ministry of water resources seeking permission for dredging Jamuna River and exporting the sand to Singapore and Maldives at its own cost initially for a period of two years.
Later, the land ministry, water resources ministry and shipping ministry discussed the proposal of Infrastructure Dredging Limited at a meeting of National Sand Corridor Management Committee on October 18, 2016. In the meeting, a five-member team was formed to make recommendation on the export rate of sand.
Shipping minister Sahjahan Khan, water resources minister Anisul Islam Mahmud and state minister for land Saifuzzaman Chowdhury attended the meeting.
Senior land secretary Mesbah ul Alam, senior water resources secretary Dr Zafar Ahmed Khan, shipping secretary Ashok Madhab Roy and Infrastructure Dredging Limited chairman M A Mannan were present.
Source: BSS
WikiLeaks says it releases files on CIA cyber spying tools
The discussion transcripts showed that CIA hackers could get into Apple Inc iPhones, Google Inc Android devices and other gadgets in order to capture text and voice messages before they were encrypted with sophisticated software.
Cyber security experts disagreed about the extent of the fallout from the data dump, but said a lot would depend on whether WikiLeaks followed through on a threat to publish the actual hacking tools that could do damage.
Reuters could not immediately verify the contents of the published documents, but several contractors and private cyber security experts said the materials, dated between 2013 and 2016, appeared to be legitimate.
A longtime intelligence contractor with expertise in U.S. hacking tools told Reuters the documents included correct "cover" terms describing active cyber programs.
Among the most noteworthy WikiLeaks claims is that the Central Intelligence Agency, in partnership with other U.S. and foreign agencies, has been able to bypass the encryption on popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal.
The files did not indicate the actual encryption of Signal or other secure messaging apps had been compromised.
The information in what WikiLeaks said were 7,818 web pages with 943 attachments appears to represent the latest breach in recent years of classified material from U.S. intelligence agencies.
Security experts differed over how much the disclosures could damage U.S. cyber espionage. Many said that, while harmful, they do not compare to former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden`s revelations in 2013 of mass NSA data collection.
"This is a big dump about extremely sophisticated tools that can be used to target individual user devices ... I haven’t yet come across the mass exploiting of mobile devices," said Tarah Wheeler, senior director of engineering and principal security advocate for Symantec.
Stuart McClure, CEO of Cylance, an Irvine, California, cyber security firm, said that one of the most significant disclosures shows how CIA hackers cover their tracks by leaving electronic trails suggesting they are from Russia, China and Iran rather than the United States.
Other revelations show how the CIA took advantage of vulnerabilities that are known, if not widely publicized.
In one case, the documents say, U.S. and British personnel, under a program known as Weeping Angel, developed ways to take over a Samsung smart television, making it appear it was off when in fact it was recording conversations in the room.
The CIA and White House declined comment. "We do not comment on the authenticity or content of purported intelligence documents," CIA spokesman Jonathan Liu said in a statement.
Google declined to comment on the purported hacking of its Android platform, but said it was investigating the matter.
Snowden on Twitter said the files amount to the first public evidence that the U.S. government secretly buys software to exploit technology, referring to a table published by WikiLeaks that appeared to list various Apple iOS flaws purchased by the CIA and other intelligence agencies.
Apple Inc did not respond to a request for comment.
The documents refer to means for accessing phones directly in order to catch messages before they are protected by end-to-end encryption tools like Signal.
Signal inventor Moxie Marlinspike said he took that as "confirmation that what we’re doing is working." Signal and the like are "pushing intelligence agencies from a world of undetectable mass surveillance to a world where they have to use expensive, high-risk, extremely targeted attacks."
CIA CYBER PROGRAMS
The CIA in recent years underwent a restructuring to focus more on cyber warfare to keep pace with the increasing digital sophistication of foreign adversaries. The spy agency is prohibited by law from collecting intelligence that details domestic activities of Americans and is generally restricted in how it may gather any U.S. data for counterintelligence purposes.
The documents published Tuesday appeared to supply specific details to what has been long-known in the abstract: U.S. intelligence agencies, like their allies and adversaries, are constantly working to discover and exploit flaws in any manner of technology products.
Unlike the Snowden leaks, which revealed the NSA was secretly collecting details of telephone calls by ordinary Americans, the new WikiLeaks material did not appear to contain material that would fundamentally change what is publicly known about cyber espionage.
WikiLeaks, led by Julian Assange, said its publication of the documents on the hacking tools was the first in a series of releases drawing from a data set that includes several hundred million lines of code and includes the CIA`s "entire hacking capacity."
The documents only include snippets of computer code, not the full programs that would be needed to conduct cyber exploits.
WikiLeaks said it was refraining from disclosing usable code from CIA`s cyber arsenal "until a consensus emerges on the technical and political nature of the C.I.A.’s program and how such ‘weapons’ should be analyzed, disarmed and published."
U.S. intelligence agencies have said that Wikileaks has ties to Russia`s security services. During the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, Wikileaks published internal emails of top Democratic Party officials, which the agencies said were hacked by Moscow as part of a coordinated influence campaign to help Republican Donald Trump win the presidency.
WikiLeaks has denied ties to Russian spy agencies.
Trump praised WikiLeaks during the campaign, often citing hacked emails it published to bolster his attacks on Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton.
WikiLeaks said on Tuesday that the documents showed that the CIA hoarded serious security vulnerabilities rather than share them with the public, as called for under a process established by President Barack Obama.
Rob Knake, a former official who dealt with the issue under Obama, said he had not seen evidence in what was published to support that conclusion.
The process "is not a policy of unilateral disarmament in cyberspace. The mere fact that the CIA may have exploited zero-day [previously undisclosed] vulnerabilities should not surprise anyone," said Knake, now at the Council on Foreign Relations.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they did not know where WikiLeaks might have obtained the material.
In a press release, the group said, "The archive appears to have been circulated among former U.S. government hackers and contractors in an unauthorized manner, one of whom has provided WikiLeaks with portions of the archive."
U.S. intelligence agencies have suffered a series of security breaches, including Snowden`s.
In 2010, U.S. military intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning provided more than 700,000 documents, videos, diplomatic cables and battlefield accounts to Wikileaks.
Last month, former NSA contractor Harold Thomas Martin was indicted on charges of taking highly sensitive government materials over a course of 20 years, storing the secrets in his home.
Source: Reuters
PM urges UAE to ease visa for Bangladeshis
The prime minister made the request when State Minister of UAE Dr. Maitha Salem Al-Shamsi called on her at the Jakarta Convention Center here on the sidelines of the first-ever Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Leaders’ Summit.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque briefed reporters, while PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and Secretary on the Maritime Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Real Admiral (retd) M Khorshed Alam were present.
Haque said that in response to the prime minister’s request, the UAE state minister informed her that she would discuss the matter with her cabinet colleagues concerned.
During the meeting, both the prime minister and the UAE state minister discussed various issues of bilateral relations including the increasingly growing relations between the two countries.
The foreign secretary said that UAE plays an important role in the IORA and they would become the next chairman of IORA.
“On completion of the UAE term, Bangladesh would then take over the chairmanship of IORA from UAE. So then there will be a new dimension of relationships between the two countries,” he said.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Nobuo Kishi also called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Jakarta Convention Center.
The Japanese state minister highly lauded the bold steps taken by Bangladesh in combating terrorism and extreme violence.
Nobuo Kishi informed the Prime Minister that Japan would send a big delegation to Bangladesh to participate in the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference to be held in Dhaka in the first week of April.
Besides, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of India V. K. Singh called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Jakarta Convention Center.
During the meeting, VK Singh discussed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in April.
“We’re hopeful that it will be a successful tour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India,” the foreign secretary said.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and Bangladesh Ambassador to Indonesia Major General Azmal Kabir were present at the meeting among others.
Earlier, the prime minister attended the simultaneous signing of IORA Concord by 21 HODs, visited the trade exhibition area accompanied by the President of Indonesia and other heads of delegation and joined the social launch at the Jakarta Convention Center.
She later attended the closing ceremony of the IORA Leaders’ Summit.
After concluding her three-day visit, Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to return home tomorrow afternoon.
Source: BSS
Monday, March 6, 2017
Can worrying about your health make you ill?
Most people are happy if their medical test results come back negative – but for at least 5% of us such news brings no relief. If you have health anxiety, there is no test on earth to reassure you. You may pore over the internet picking the most serious diagnosis for your symptoms. And last week brought evidence that health anxiety can make you physically ill. A study of more than 7,000 Norwegians found that people with such anxiety had a 73% greater chance of developing heart disease over 10 years, compared with those who weren’t anxious.
Health anxiety is the persistent preoccupation with having a serious illness. It involves monitoring your body closely, misinterpreting symptoms and often seeking medical advice. Prof Peter Tyrer, professor of community psychiatry and an expert on health anxiety, says it is the level of anxiety that sets it apart from hypochondriasis. If you have health anxiety, you want to stop worrying about being ill rather than have your physical symptoms relieved. However, this latest study will ramp up any existing anxiety by linking it to heart disease. Anxiety is already associated with increased thickness in artery walls and activation of hormone systems involved in stress – both increasing the risk of heart disease. This new study took into account lifestyle factors that promote heart disease, but it was impossible to exclude actual illness being the cause of some of the health anxiety.
Tyrer asks people with symptoms and suspected health anxiety three questions: have you been worrying a lot about this (problem)? Do you tend to worry about your health in general? And have you ever felt that the problem is more serious than the doctors have found? If there’s a yes to any of them, he gently suggests help. Simple reassurance is useless – Tyrer’s research shows cognitive behavioural therapy is needed to reinterpret their obsessive thoughts about their health. It helps to keep a diary to link symptoms with daily activities.
“The symptoms themselves are often due to anxiety, such as chest pain,” says Tyrer. “We get people to make the connection themselves. For example, if they get chest pain at work but not when digging the garden then it’s unlikely to be physical, cardiac pain.” Tyrer says that health anxiety usually starts young: the death of a grandparent can be a trigger. About five to 10 therapy sessions seems to work – as does mindfulness – and the benefits seem long-lasting. So, if you overmonitor your health and can’t be reassured enough (by tests if needed), suspect that your real condition is health anxiety and ask your GP for help.
Source : Guardian
Historic March 7 tomorrow
The nation is set to observe the `Historic 7 March`, a red-letter day in the country`s history, tomorrow in a befitting manner.
On this day in 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his historic speech at a mammoth rally in the then `Race Course Maidan`, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in the city directed the freedom-loving Bangalees for waging a decisive struggle against the Pakistan occupation forces.
In his 19-minute extempore speech from 4.23 pm before millions of people of former East Pakistan, Bangabandhu in unequivocal term said, "We spilled our blood...we are ready to shed more blood, the people of the country shall be freed, Inshallah!"
"Ebarer sangram amader muktir sangram, ebarer sangram swadhinatar sangram" (The struggle this time is for our emancipation, the struggle this time is for our independence), the great leader and the greatest Bangalee of all times went on to add.
During his deliberations amid thunderous slogans and applause, he also made a fervent appeal to the roaring people from all walks of life to take preparations for armed struggle against the tyranny, exploitation, subjugation and deprivation by Pakistani military junta with whatever they possessed and transforming every house into a fortress.
The people were overwhelmed and imbued with the spirit of Bangabandhu`s unparalleled speech of independence regarded only as comparable to the Gettysburg Speech of slain US President Abraham Lincoln.
The whole nation responded spontaneously to Bangabandhu`s call with thunderous slogan "Bir Bangalee Astra Dharo, Bangladesh Swadhin Karo" (Brave Bangalees take up arms and free Bangladesh from occupation).
The forceful speech inspired people of all walks of life to prepare for the war, which eventually began after the Pakistani regime on March 25 launched on the unarmed Bangalees the worst genocides in history for the next nine months.
Bangabandhu`s March 7 speech has been selected as one of the most rousing and inspirational wartime speeches in the last 2,500 years. The dynamic speech had changed the course of the country`s history.
Bangabandhu`s tantalizing speech literally had a mesmerizing and sparkling effect on the entire population in the eastern part of Pakistan and they became united under his capable and farsighted leadership to bravely fight for liberating the motherland from the clutches of the Pakistani occupation forces.
Although people from all walks of life irrespective of political and religious beliefs were united for the cause and began to take all out preparations for a bloody war, they waited till the crackdown of the Pakistani occupation forces on the sleeping Bangalees on the night of March 25, defamed as the "Operation Searchlight".
As soon as the Pakistani occupation forces started genocide Bangabandhu declared independence of the motherland instructing the people to put up strong resistance and fight against them till the liberation is achieved.
At the instruction of Bangabandhu, the brave nation fought successfully the nine-month-old war of liberation and ultimately liberated Bangladesh from the clutches of the Pakistani occupation forces on December 16, 1971 with the assistance of the allied Indian forces.
According to political analysts, the 7th March speech of Bangabandhu was not only a call for the Bangalee nation to fight for freedom, it was rather a direction for all nations.
On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman`s March 7 historic speech of 1971 was the fervent call for the freedom of the people of this country.
"I recalled with utmost respect the Father of the Nation on this historical day," the president said, adding that the immense courage, strong leadership and right directions of Bangabandu led the nation to achieve the Independence of Bangladesh.
He said the speech at the Race Course Maidan would be an endless source of inspiration for generations.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said the 7th March speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an unforgettable day in the thousand-year history of Bangalee nation.
In the speech, Bangabandhu called for the freedom of the country and gave the nation the roadmap for achieving the independence of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina said sensing an inevitable war Bangabandhu also advised the nation to get prepared for the war of independence with whatever they have in their hands.
Referring to the 7th March speech of Bangabandhu included in world famous book "We Shall Fight on the Beaches: The Speeches That Inspired History" by of Jacob F Field, the premier said that the magnificent speech was the inspiration of our freedom struggle.
She said that her government has also been continuing the development efforts of the country with the spirit of the war of independence.
Sheikh Hasina urged the people to take a resolution on the historic day for forging greater unity once again for the development of the country and making Bangladesh a prosperous country free from hunger.
"With this spirit, we could make Bangladesh a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed nation in 2041," she said.
Different socio-cultural and political organizations, student and professional bodies have chalked out elaborate programmes including laying wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu and holding discussions and rallies marking the historic occasion.
The ruling Awami League will hoist national and party flags atop the Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices and place wreaths at Sheikh Mujib`s portrait on Bangabandhu Bhaban premises at the capital`s Dhanmondi in the morning.
Besides, Awami League and its associated bodies will organize rallies highlighting the significance of the day in all wards, unions, pourasabhas, upazilas and districts when the Bangabandhu`s March 7 speech would be played in loud speaker.
Awami League General Secretary and Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader asked all committees of the party and its associated bodies throughout the country to observe the day in a befitting manner.
The national hook-ups- Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television-as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes while national dailies will bring out special supplements marking auspicious occasion.
Source : BSS
On this day in 1971, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his historic speech at a mammoth rally in the then `Race Course Maidan`, now Suhrawardy Udyan, in the city directed the freedom-loving Bangalees for waging a decisive struggle against the Pakistan occupation forces.
In his 19-minute extempore speech from 4.23 pm before millions of people of former East Pakistan, Bangabandhu in unequivocal term said, "We spilled our blood...we are ready to shed more blood, the people of the country shall be freed, Inshallah!"
"Ebarer sangram amader muktir sangram, ebarer sangram swadhinatar sangram" (The struggle this time is for our emancipation, the struggle this time is for our independence), the great leader and the greatest Bangalee of all times went on to add.
During his deliberations amid thunderous slogans and applause, he also made a fervent appeal to the roaring people from all walks of life to take preparations for armed struggle against the tyranny, exploitation, subjugation and deprivation by Pakistani military junta with whatever they possessed and transforming every house into a fortress.
The people were overwhelmed and imbued with the spirit of Bangabandhu`s unparalleled speech of independence regarded only as comparable to the Gettysburg Speech of slain US President Abraham Lincoln.
The whole nation responded spontaneously to Bangabandhu`s call with thunderous slogan "Bir Bangalee Astra Dharo, Bangladesh Swadhin Karo" (Brave Bangalees take up arms and free Bangladesh from occupation).
The forceful speech inspired people of all walks of life to prepare for the war, which eventually began after the Pakistani regime on March 25 launched on the unarmed Bangalees the worst genocides in history for the next nine months.
Bangabandhu`s March 7 speech has been selected as one of the most rousing and inspirational wartime speeches in the last 2,500 years. The dynamic speech had changed the course of the country`s history.
Bangabandhu`s tantalizing speech literally had a mesmerizing and sparkling effect on the entire population in the eastern part of Pakistan and they became united under his capable and farsighted leadership to bravely fight for liberating the motherland from the clutches of the Pakistani occupation forces.
Although people from all walks of life irrespective of political and religious beliefs were united for the cause and began to take all out preparations for a bloody war, they waited till the crackdown of the Pakistani occupation forces on the sleeping Bangalees on the night of March 25, defamed as the "Operation Searchlight".
As soon as the Pakistani occupation forces started genocide Bangabandhu declared independence of the motherland instructing the people to put up strong resistance and fight against them till the liberation is achieved.
At the instruction of Bangabandhu, the brave nation fought successfully the nine-month-old war of liberation and ultimately liberated Bangladesh from the clutches of the Pakistani occupation forces on December 16, 1971 with the assistance of the allied Indian forces.
According to political analysts, the 7th March speech of Bangabandhu was not only a call for the Bangalee nation to fight for freedom, it was rather a direction for all nations.
On the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman`s March 7 historic speech of 1971 was the fervent call for the freedom of the people of this country.
"I recalled with utmost respect the Father of the Nation on this historical day," the president said, adding that the immense courage, strong leadership and right directions of Bangabandu led the nation to achieve the Independence of Bangladesh.
He said the speech at the Race Course Maidan would be an endless source of inspiration for generations.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said the 7th March speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an unforgettable day in the thousand-year history of Bangalee nation.
In the speech, Bangabandhu called for the freedom of the country and gave the nation the roadmap for achieving the independence of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina said sensing an inevitable war Bangabandhu also advised the nation to get prepared for the war of independence with whatever they have in their hands.
Referring to the 7th March speech of Bangabandhu included in world famous book "We Shall Fight on the Beaches: The Speeches That Inspired History" by of Jacob F Field, the premier said that the magnificent speech was the inspiration of our freedom struggle.
She said that her government has also been continuing the development efforts of the country with the spirit of the war of independence.
Sheikh Hasina urged the people to take a resolution on the historic day for forging greater unity once again for the development of the country and making Bangladesh a prosperous country free from hunger.
"With this spirit, we could make Bangladesh a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed nation in 2041," she said.
Different socio-cultural and political organizations, student and professional bodies have chalked out elaborate programmes including laying wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu and holding discussions and rallies marking the historic occasion.
The ruling Awami League will hoist national and party flags atop the Bangabandhu Bhaban and party offices and place wreaths at Sheikh Mujib`s portrait on Bangabandhu Bhaban premises at the capital`s Dhanmondi in the morning.
Besides, Awami League and its associated bodies will organize rallies highlighting the significance of the day in all wards, unions, pourasabhas, upazilas and districts when the Bangabandhu`s March 7 speech would be played in loud speaker.
Awami League General Secretary and Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader asked all committees of the party and its associated bodies throughout the country to observe the day in a befitting manner.
The national hook-ups- Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television-as well as private television channels and radio stations will air special programmes while national dailies will bring out special supplements marking auspicious occasion.
Source : BSS
Facebook Finally Adds A “Dislike” Button
Facebook users have been asking the company for a “dislike” option for years, and it seems the company has granted their request — sort of. While most people would expect to see the long-awaited thumbs down icon alongside the other post Reactions — like, love, haha, wow, sad, and angry — instead, the option is in Facebook Messenger.
According to TechCrunch, Facebook is testing out the Messenger Reactions. This means that only some users can see the Reactions, but if it proves popular, the feature could roll out to everyone. The way it works is similar to the feature in other apps like Slack and iMessage and allows users to hover over a message and pick a reaction to it. The reactions include both a thumbs up and a thumbs down, which Facebook told TechCrunch they see more like a “yes and no” reaction, rather than a “like and dislike.”
The question is whether this feature is useful. It’s clearly an attempt by Facebook to ensure Messenger can compete with newer conversation and chat apps, but perhaps Facebook should stick to what it does best: creating a social community through news feeds and allowing folks to casually chat with Messenger. Apps like Slack fill a gap that maybe Facebook isn’t meant to occupy, one that supports work conversations, as opposed to casual chats.
Facebook has repeatedly said that it would not add a “dislike” reaction to avoid filling feeds with too much negativity. But with the “sad” and “angry” reactions, they’ve already given users the option to choose emotions that aren’t just rainbows and confetti. Why not just give people what they want and add a “dislike” reaction to posts and leave Messenger alone? Facebook doesn’t have to fill every single social need, though I suppose as it scrambles to stay relevant in the face of new and trendier social media platforms it will throw whatever it can at the wall and see what sticks. This time it’s Messenger reactions, which if you ask me, will just clutter the chat window with more unnecessary information to consume.
According to TechCrunch, Facebook is testing out the Messenger Reactions. This means that only some users can see the Reactions, but if it proves popular, the feature could roll out to everyone. The way it works is similar to the feature in other apps like Slack and iMessage and allows users to hover over a message and pick a reaction to it. The reactions include both a thumbs up and a thumbs down, which Facebook told TechCrunch they see more like a “yes and no” reaction, rather than a “like and dislike.”
The question is whether this feature is useful. It’s clearly an attempt by Facebook to ensure Messenger can compete with newer conversation and chat apps, but perhaps Facebook should stick to what it does best: creating a social community through news feeds and allowing folks to casually chat with Messenger. Apps like Slack fill a gap that maybe Facebook isn’t meant to occupy, one that supports work conversations, as opposed to casual chats.
Facebook has repeatedly said that it would not add a “dislike” reaction to avoid filling feeds with too much negativity. But with the “sad” and “angry” reactions, they’ve already given users the option to choose emotions that aren’t just rainbows and confetti. Why not just give people what they want and add a “dislike” reaction to posts and leave Messenger alone? Facebook doesn’t have to fill every single social need, though I suppose as it scrambles to stay relevant in the face of new and trendier social media platforms it will throw whatever it can at the wall and see what sticks. This time it’s Messenger reactions, which if you ask me, will just clutter the chat window with more unnecessary information to consume.
Source : yahoo news
THREE ENEMIES TO BE FOUGHT :BY DURGA DAS
THE INDIAN NATION (Patna ) September 29, 1971
Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s current visit to Moscow is pregnant with possibilities about the power balance in our sub-continent and in Asia. The crisis caused by the influx of 9 million refugees from East Bengal and the continued deterioration in the economic situation in the country have provided an impetus for a comprehensive review of the situation. In other words, our Prime Minister has gone to find out where Moscow stands in regard to problem that confronts her. A down-to-earth approach is expected in the dialogue in Moscow.
Three enemies have to be fought by Mrs. Gandhi and she has to be sure what Russia will do in terms of the Indo?- Soviet Treaty signed on August 9- Enemy No. 1 is West Pakistan’s military junta. She cannot allow the death of Bangladesh and she is committed to sending all the refugees back home. The international conference on Bangladesh held last week-end in New Delhi, was attended by about seventy delegates from foreign countries and an equal number of Indian delegates. All continents were represented, although no Russian or Chinese delegates appeared on the scene. The Ruling Congress and C.P.I. shied off the conference, but their supporters succeeded in omitting the clause in the resolution demanding universal recognition of the new State, urging India to give a lead in recognizing the Bangladesh Government. It was admitted on all hands that the general elections in East Pakistan have given legitimacy to the Bangladesh Government, and destroyed the claim of the military junta to rule the land. According to Jefferson a Government deserving of recognition must be in accord “with the democratic will of the nation substantially declared”. Perhaps the best assessment of the situation in Bangladesh has been given by Jean Daridan, former French Ambassador to India in an article in Le Monde of September 18. He writes: “India is an immense country, full of economic problems and social contrasts, which it tackles in pragmatic fashion and with far more success than it generally receives credit for as it does not have any talent at all for public relations. In spite of criticism from political quarters, and the pressure of potentially intolerable public opinion, New Delhi has been playing it cool since the beginning of the crisis.. . I believe that Bangla is no longer in the realm of theoretical considerations and that the powers must act quickly to get India and Pakistan out of the collision course on which they are headed. At stake are the orderly development of India and the survival of Pakistan. It is in the interest of the world at large that this problem be settled”. Mrs. Gandhi can recognize Bangladesh regime as the provisional government of Bangladesh on Indian soil. It can render military and economic aid to such n government. It is important, however, that some other countries too act likewise so that Pakistan’s military junta will have no legitimate excuse to unleash a war against India. Political observers in New Delhi expect startling developments next week. The international community has been impressed most by defections of ambassadors and lower rank officials from various embassies and missions of Pakistan. This has convinced them of the genuineness of the revolt of the Bangla population. But for selfish reasons the great powers writ to see Pakistan remain one entity and the Islamic nations have developed religious phobia.
The fact remains, however, that India has failed to sell the real story of the Bangladesh tragedy to the world. An Australian M.P told the International Conference on Bangladesh that the moment this issue was raised at the Common¬wealth Parliamentary Association meeting at Kuala Lumpur, the High Commission of Pakistan poured tons of literature on their heads, while nothing came from the Indian Commission. A Union Minister who has just returned from his travels has stated that many countries have accepted the Pakistani version that refugees number only 2 million and that India is at the root of the trouble ! Whether because of our moral pose or self-righteous attitude, India has few friends In the wide world. Our ambassadors too feel inhibited in espousing a cause for they do not wish to run the risk of being ticked off. Pakistan’s officials have a clear mandate to run down India on all occasions and by every means. Nixon and his kind are with Pakistan because they believe that the Pak. army is at their disposal, as was the mercenary Indian army under the British Raj. India will gain respect in the outside world only if it is clear about its
political philosophy and as to who can be its friends and who not. As matters stand we only irritate chancelleries of foreign lands. The second enemy Mrs. Gandhi is facing is the specter of growing unemployment and rising prices. While she is successful in consolidating her hold on the party machine, she finds herself at sea in handling the developing crisis on the socioeconomic front. Her father was let down by his aides who made him launch enterprises which have become millstones round India’s neck. Her brains trust is now flirting with the idea of introducing war time controls in respect of essential goods and even of demonstrating currency. The latter step, even if favored, will not be taken until after the general election.
The question whether controls will bring in dividends at the elections is being hotly debated. The academicians say that 95 per cent of the people would get foodstuff, cloth and sugar at fixed prices and that would bring in votes. Those who have had experience of controls in the forties declare that there would be an adverse effect. A former Minister has stated that he was shown a mill in the South, which reduced pebbles to the shape of rice to help profiteers to mix it with rice. The whole issue will be thrashed out at the Conference of Chief Ministers early in October. The Chief Ministers of the State where elections are due, will find it difficult to cut down their expenses or take any measures which might cost them votes.
The third enemy of Mrs. Gandhi has just begun to raise its head. For the present, it is symbolized by the demand for maximum autonomy voiced by the D-M.K. leadership in Tamil Nadu and Akali spokesmen in Punjab. But there are rumblings in other states too. The purge of regional leader¬ship from the Ruling Congress has been accepted without protest. It is difficult for the victims to counter the plea for induction of younger and committed leadership. Moreover, the people as a rule lend ready ears to charges of corruption. The general impression is that C.B.I.** only shadows those on the black list. These are politicians and officials who, if need be, can be hauled up for corruption. Politicians and public men who contact Western diplomats are also shadowed. Formerly those who contacted communist embassies were shadowed, now a person can be thick with communist missions and not attract notice of intelligence men. Whether these assumptions have any basis or not, they are generally believed in political circles. The fact that the Administrative Staff College of Hyderabad staged last week-end a seminar opened by Vice-President Pathak, on Centre State relations, shows the way the wind is blowing. If the regime at the Centre becomes too dictatorial regionalism will raise its head and pose a serious challenge. Already the decision of the Ruling Congress in Tamil Nadu not to make terms with Mr. Kamaraj in any circumstances has been welcomed by the D.M.K. and has given credence to Mr. Karunanidhi’s claim that Mr. Kamaraj is politically nearer. to D.M.K. than to Congress (R).
Mrs. Gandhi is becoming conscious of the danger of regionalism to the internal stability of the country. India’s support of the cause of Bangladesh could in certain circumstances encourage fissiparous tendencies in India. The next three months will thus prove very crucial in the evolution of domestic politics. Whether India is heading for a spell of a dark age or of peace and progress will depend on the course Mrs. Gandhi charts for herself on her return from Moscow the day after tomorrow.
Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s current visit to Moscow is pregnant with possibilities about the power balance in our sub-continent and in Asia. The crisis caused by the influx of 9 million refugees from East Bengal and the continued deterioration in the economic situation in the country have provided an impetus for a comprehensive review of the situation. In other words, our Prime Minister has gone to find out where Moscow stands in regard to problem that confronts her. A down-to-earth approach is expected in the dialogue in Moscow.
Three enemies have to be fought by Mrs. Gandhi and she has to be sure what Russia will do in terms of the Indo?- Soviet Treaty signed on August 9- Enemy No. 1 is West Pakistan’s military junta. She cannot allow the death of Bangladesh and she is committed to sending all the refugees back home. The international conference on Bangladesh held last week-end in New Delhi, was attended by about seventy delegates from foreign countries and an equal number of Indian delegates. All continents were represented, although no Russian or Chinese delegates appeared on the scene. The Ruling Congress and C.P.I. shied off the conference, but their supporters succeeded in omitting the clause in the resolution demanding universal recognition of the new State, urging India to give a lead in recognizing the Bangladesh Government. It was admitted on all hands that the general elections in East Pakistan have given legitimacy to the Bangladesh Government, and destroyed the claim of the military junta to rule the land. According to Jefferson a Government deserving of recognition must be in accord “with the democratic will of the nation substantially declared”. Perhaps the best assessment of the situation in Bangladesh has been given by Jean Daridan, former French Ambassador to India in an article in Le Monde of September 18. He writes: “India is an immense country, full of economic problems and social contrasts, which it tackles in pragmatic fashion and with far more success than it generally receives credit for as it does not have any talent at all for public relations. In spite of criticism from political quarters, and the pressure of potentially intolerable public opinion, New Delhi has been playing it cool since the beginning of the crisis.. . I believe that Bangla is no longer in the realm of theoretical considerations and that the powers must act quickly to get India and Pakistan out of the collision course on which they are headed. At stake are the orderly development of India and the survival of Pakistan. It is in the interest of the world at large that this problem be settled”. Mrs. Gandhi can recognize Bangladesh regime as the provisional government of Bangladesh on Indian soil. It can render military and economic aid to such n government. It is important, however, that some other countries too act likewise so that Pakistan’s military junta will have no legitimate excuse to unleash a war against India. Political observers in New Delhi expect startling developments next week. The international community has been impressed most by defections of ambassadors and lower rank officials from various embassies and missions of Pakistan. This has convinced them of the genuineness of the revolt of the Bangla population. But for selfish reasons the great powers writ to see Pakistan remain one entity and the Islamic nations have developed religious phobia.
The fact remains, however, that India has failed to sell the real story of the Bangladesh tragedy to the world. An Australian M.P told the International Conference on Bangladesh that the moment this issue was raised at the Common¬wealth Parliamentary Association meeting at Kuala Lumpur, the High Commission of Pakistan poured tons of literature on their heads, while nothing came from the Indian Commission. A Union Minister who has just returned from his travels has stated that many countries have accepted the Pakistani version that refugees number only 2 million and that India is at the root of the trouble ! Whether because of our moral pose or self-righteous attitude, India has few friends In the wide world. Our ambassadors too feel inhibited in espousing a cause for they do not wish to run the risk of being ticked off. Pakistan’s officials have a clear mandate to run down India on all occasions and by every means. Nixon and his kind are with Pakistan because they believe that the Pak. army is at their disposal, as was the mercenary Indian army under the British Raj. India will gain respect in the outside world only if it is clear about its
political philosophy and as to who can be its friends and who not. As matters stand we only irritate chancelleries of foreign lands. The second enemy Mrs. Gandhi is facing is the specter of growing unemployment and rising prices. While she is successful in consolidating her hold on the party machine, she finds herself at sea in handling the developing crisis on the socioeconomic front. Her father was let down by his aides who made him launch enterprises which have become millstones round India’s neck. Her brains trust is now flirting with the idea of introducing war time controls in respect of essential goods and even of demonstrating currency. The latter step, even if favored, will not be taken until after the general election.
The question whether controls will bring in dividends at the elections is being hotly debated. The academicians say that 95 per cent of the people would get foodstuff, cloth and sugar at fixed prices and that would bring in votes. Those who have had experience of controls in the forties declare that there would be an adverse effect. A former Minister has stated that he was shown a mill in the South, which reduced pebbles to the shape of rice to help profiteers to mix it with rice. The whole issue will be thrashed out at the Conference of Chief Ministers early in October. The Chief Ministers of the State where elections are due, will find it difficult to cut down their expenses or take any measures which might cost them votes.
The third enemy of Mrs. Gandhi has just begun to raise its head. For the present, it is symbolized by the demand for maximum autonomy voiced by the D-M.K. leadership in Tamil Nadu and Akali spokesmen in Punjab. But there are rumblings in other states too. The purge of regional leader¬ship from the Ruling Congress has been accepted without protest. It is difficult for the victims to counter the plea for induction of younger and committed leadership. Moreover, the people as a rule lend ready ears to charges of corruption. The general impression is that C.B.I.** only shadows those on the black list. These are politicians and officials who, if need be, can be hauled up for corruption. Politicians and public men who contact Western diplomats are also shadowed. Formerly those who contacted communist embassies were shadowed, now a person can be thick with communist missions and not attract notice of intelligence men. Whether these assumptions have any basis or not, they are generally believed in political circles. The fact that the Administrative Staff College of Hyderabad staged last week-end a seminar opened by Vice-President Pathak, on Centre State relations, shows the way the wind is blowing. If the regime at the Centre becomes too dictatorial regionalism will raise its head and pose a serious challenge. Already the decision of the Ruling Congress in Tamil Nadu not to make terms with Mr. Kamaraj in any circumstances has been welcomed by the D.M.K. and has given credence to Mr. Karunanidhi’s claim that Mr. Kamaraj is politically nearer. to D.M.K. than to Congress (R).
Mrs. Gandhi is becoming conscious of the danger of regionalism to the internal stability of the country. India’s support of the cause of Bangladesh could in certain circumstances encourage fissiparous tendencies in India. The next three months will thus prove very crucial in the evolution of domestic politics. Whether India is heading for a spell of a dark age or of peace and progress will depend on the course Mrs. Gandhi charts for herself on her return from Moscow the day after tomorrow.
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