National

May242024 by No Comments

Empowering Change: Policy Dialogue on Disability Inclusion in SMART Bangladesh

The SMART Bangladesh Network (SBN), in association with the Equal Bangladesh Campaign, Sightsavers, a2i, Idea Foundation, and InterContinental Dhaka, hosted a pivotal policy dialogue titled “Empowering Change: Role of a Caucus for Disability Inclusion in SMART Bangladesh.” Held at the Crystal Ballroom, Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka, the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the integration of disability inclusion into the national SMART Bangladesh agenda by 2041.The policy dialogue, "Empowering Change: Role of a Caucus for Disability Inclusion in SMART Bangladesh," held significant importance as it addressed the critical need for inclusivity in the nation's ambitious vision for 2041. As Bangladesh transitioned into a SMART nation, ensuring that people with disabilities wer...

May242024 by No Comments

EPA negotiation between Japan-Bangladesh ends

Breaking News, National

The first round of negotiations for the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) ends today (23May). Itwas held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 19 to 23. The opening session of the negotiation was attended by Mr. Ahasanul Islam Titu, MP, the State Minister of Commerce and the Japanese Ambassador in Bangladesh Mr. Iwama Kiminori.In this round of negotiation, both sides exchanged their views on the method of negotiations and a broad range of negotiating areas such as Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Investment, Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property.This meeting was attended by, on the Japanese side, Mr. Taketani Atsushi, Ambassador in charge of Economic Diplomacy, Deputy Director-General, Economic Affairs Bureau of Min...

May232024 by No Comments

3 discriminations in WASH budget: demand to increase the allocation

Breaking News, National

Adequate allocation should be given to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector in the national budget for the next financial year 2023-24. Despite the increase in allocation to this sector in recent years, various types of disparities remain. Overall, three types of disparities can be observed in this sector, which should be addressed. Rural-urban disparity, inter-urban disparity and less attention to some areas that are hard to reach especially in the haor areas. All regional disparities in allocation need to be eliminated. Besides, allocation to WASH sector should be proportional to or higher than the size of ADP growth.In a press conference organized at the National Press Club on Thursday (May 23) mentioned these. Several private organizations including WaterAid, PPRC, FANSA, F...

May222024 by No Comments

Tobacco-free Bangladesh Only Achievable through Strong Tax and Price Measures

Breaking News, National

The existing tobacco tax structure is hardly playing any role towards achieving a tobacco-free Bangladesh. Economists, journalists, and public health experts are now calling for effective tobacco tax and price measures in the upcoming FY 2024-25. Such issues have been raised today (22 May) during a virtual roundtable titled "Tobacco-Free Bangladesh: The Need for Strong Tobacco Tax and Price Measures", organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA). It was informed in the event that, between 2021 and 2023, the prices of essential commodities, such as sugar, potatoes, and flour (atta) have seen a hike extending from 40 to 90 percent. However, at the same time, the prices of tobacco products increased only 6 to 15 percent. This is because of the...

May212024 by No Comments

Bangladesh joins the historical celebration of ‘50 Years of the Internet’

Breaking News, National

Bangladesh just became a part of the historical celebration of 50 years of the internet. a2i of the ICT Division joined this with a virtual global summit as the campaign partner, while participating in one of the major panel discussions. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world's largest organization for technology professionals hosted this two-day long event titled- ‘IEEE i50: A Virtual Celebration of 50 Years of the Internet’, in collaboration with People-Centered Internet (PCI), on May 19 & 20, 2024.Representing Bangladesh, a2i’s Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury participated in one of the panel discussions titled ‘How can we ensure AI serves everyone, everywhere?’ The other discussants were luminaries like Kate Wilson, Senior Fellow, PCI; Fei Fei Li, ...

May202024 by No Comments

CIPFA awards more than 60 OCAG officials

Breaking News, National

In an award giving ceremony held on the 20th of May 2024 at the Audit Bhaban in Dhaka, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has awarded 63 officials from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG) of Bangladesh with professional Certificates in Management and Financial Accounting. This professional certificate equips the OCAG officials with a comprehensive array of professional and transferable skills, applicable across diverse finance and accounting contexts.The initiative is a part of the OCAG’s Audit Professionalisation Programme, which was funded by the European Union’s Technical Assistance to Support the Implementation of the PFM Reform Strategic Plan in Bangladesh, implemented by DT Global. Since March 2023, CIPFA and Technical Assistanc...

May192024 by No Comments

285 Agri-entrepreneurs from Sunamganj receive skill development training

Breaking News, National

A day-long skill development training program for agricultural entrepreneurs from 12 upazilas of Sunamganj district was held at the Priyangon Community Center, Sunamganj Sadar, earlier today on May 19, 2024. The training program was organized under the nationwide agricultural support scheme of United Commercial Bank (UCB) PLC, titled 'Bhoroshar Notun Janala'.ATM Tahmiduzzaman, Additional Managing Director and Company Secretary of United Commercial Bank (UCB) PLC attended the program as the Event Chair, alongside Aminul Islam, Director, Bangladesh Bank, present as the Chief Guest. Rezaul Karim Siddique, popular presenter of BTV's agriculture-based show 'Mati O Manush', and an agricultural analyst, also attended the event as Special Guest. The event began with inspirational welcome speec...

May172024 by No Comments

Drawing Competition held on World Environment Day 2024

Breaking News, National

In celebration of World Environment Day 2024, a children-teenage drawing competition on the theme "Nature and Environment" was held today at the National Chitrashala Plaza of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The event was organized by the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.In his speech, Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment, emphasized the role of young minds in fostering a sustainable future and encouraged the participants to continue their efforts in promoting environmental awareness through art. He said the artworks highlighted the importance of nature and the urgent need to protect our environment.Under 8 years in Group A; 8 to under 12 years in Group B; Children aged 12 to under 16 years in gr...

May172024 by No Comments

Barça Academy Football Training Camp set to return in Bangladesh once again

Breaking News, National

International School Dhaka (ISD) is all set to host the iconic Barça Academy Training Camp at its campus for the 2nd consecutive year, conducted directly under the supervision of esteemed Barça Academy coaches. This exciting camp will take place from June 19 to 23, 2024, allowing students from ISD, as well as other schools, the opportunity to participate in a thrilling and enriching football training experience.Barça Academy, the official academy of FC Barcelona, trains its students through football to not only grow as sportspersons but also as good human beings. It follows its own unique school model, based on the Barça methodology.With a focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, ISD’s Barça Academy Football Training Camp promises to be a platform for young talents ...

May162024 by No Comments

imo and JAAGO join hands to empower marginalized children’s education

Breaking News, National

Instant communication platform imo and Bangladesh-based non-profit organization JAAGO Foundation signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate better education for the marginalized children of the country. Under the scope of the MoU, an event was held onMay 16, 2024 at JAAGO’s school in Banani, where imo distributed stationeries to the children of JAAGO. Driven by a sense of compassion, innovation and empowerment, imo is taking a major step to support children in local communities through this collaboration.JAAGO Foundation is a non-profit development organization that is committed to eliminating poverty through education and improving lives across Bangladesh. To help the marginalized children of Bangladesh reach their full potential and succeed in life, imo focused on ...