Ali Murat Alhas: As Turkey and Azerbaijan are getting ready for a large-scale joint military exercise, some Turkish war helicopters were brought to Nakhchivan. According to a statement by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, helicopters were carried by military planes owned by the Turkish Air Force, and they were welcomed with a military ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the helicopters were prepared by technical teams for the upcoming exercise.

The military exercise to be held in Baku and Nakhchivan on Aug. 1-5 will include mortars, armed vehicles, and cannons striking simulated targets.

The air forces of both countries will start exercises on July 29, to end on Aug. 10. Both helicopters and warplanes will hold activities in Baku, Nakhchivan, Ganja, Kurdamir, and Yevlakh.

The military exercises are coming shortly after an attack by the Armenian Armed Forces on Azerbaijani troops in the northwestern Tovuz border region. At least 11 Azerbaijani soldiers -- including a major general and a colonel -- were martyred.

Azerbaijan blamed Armenia for the "provocative" actions, with Ankara throwing its weight behind Baku, and warning Yerevan that it would not hesitate to stand against any kind of attack on its eastern neighbor.

Upper Karabakh, an internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan, is under illegal Armenian occupation since 1991.

Liaquat Hossain, Rajshahi: Allegations of illegal bed trading have been leveled against Dr Md Mamunur Rahman of Rajshahi Central Jail Hospital. It is learned that he takes Tk. 3,00,000/= (three lakh) per month for bed rent. According to sources, Rajshahi Jail Hospital can stay without being a patient for four thousand rupees per month. With money every month, you can stay in 4 wards of the prison hospital for years. Md. Rubel (38), son of Abdur Razzak, a resident of Chandipur area under Rajpara Police Station, has been in custody for 7 months, his niece Antar (25) has been in custody for 18 months, Mohammad Ramzan (28) has been in custody for 8 months, Rajshahi Bagam. Md. Rubel (33) of Bhabaniganj area has been staying in the hospital ward for 4 months even though he has not been a patient for 4 months.
Md. Babul (54) of Rajshahi Bagha Police Station has been detained for 5 months, Md. Ratul (28) of Gourhanga area under Boalia Police Station of Rajshahi has been detained for 5 months and Sheesh Mohammad (38), son of drug dealer Ismail of Rajshahi Godagari Police Station has been detained for 5 months.
It is also known that Dr. Mamunur Rahman has been working in the prison hospital since October 28, 2018. His faithful prisoner is the chief writer of Ujjwal Jail Hospital. He lives in the 5th ward of the prison hospital and has an account of all the government medicines including the keys of the prison hospital. He also withdrew cash from the prisoner`s bed rent. Jail jailer Sabbir (01311919005) also used this number to withdraw money for hospital bed rent through bKash. If someone gives cash to Ujjwal, he may be in a hospital bed. If no one else can rent a hospital bed, the name is immediately removed from the hospital and placed in other wards such as Import Ward Division Ward Civil Ward and Jamuna Pagla Ward 1 and 2. And if money is given for development, the healthy patient is admitted to the jail hospital as he is ill.
Government plaintiff Mahima Madarer, convicted prisoner (609) This is brilliant. Each ward of Ujjwal has its own prisoners. The new accused actually took the accused to the hospital to explain to the chief writer Ujjwal, they said that if an accused is taken to Ujjwal, we get a commission of Tk 200 and get all the facilities of the hospital.
It is also known that Ujjwal Kara has been the Chief Writer of Ward No. 5 of the hospital for 10-12 years. He has no medical degree but as a doctor he gives medicine to the prisoners as per his wish. Asked about this, Dr. Mamunur Rahman (MBBS) (BCS Health) Assistant Civil Surgeon said, "When you come to the office, I do not give an unofficial speech." He denied everything on the phone.
When contacted on the mobile phone of Rajshahi Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Enamul Haque, he said, "I am not in favor of anyone who does wrong."

AN, JEDDAH: A new Kiswa will be draped on the Holy Kaaba in Makkah on Wednesday evening, in a tradition carried out every year before the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha. Saudi officials at the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet`s Mosque will perform the task, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The presidency said the Kiswa — a silky black cover embroidered with golden threads — will be transported from the King Abdel Aziz Complex to the Grand Mosque using a fleet, taking all the necessary precautions imposed by health authorities to fight the spread of coronavirus. 

The fleet consists of a truck designed especially to transport the Kiswah, where it is coated from the inside with a special material to protect it from tearing or damage.

Saudi foreign minister meets with Algerian, Tunisian presidents to discuss Libya issue: Saudi Arabia`s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan was received by Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers on Tuesday, when the two discussed the ongoing crisis in Libya.
Prince Faisal’s trip to Algeria is one of a number of visits to north African countries he is making, including to Egypt on Monday and Tunisia also on Tuesday.

The Saudi foreign minister and Algerian president discussed relations between the two countries, the situation in Libya as well as other ongoing regional and international issues, Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Today I had the honor to convey the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense - may God protect them - to His Excellency President Abdelmajid Taboun and also the brotherly Algerian people,” Prince Faisal said in a statement after the meeting.

“We discussed the regional situation and found a convergence of views between the Kingdom and Algeria, especially the challenges facing the region at the present time, which at the forefront is the Libyan crisis, which we discussed extensively,” Prince Faisal added.

He said there was a consensus between the two countries on the issue and that the solution must be a Libyan one, and one that leads to a peaceful settlement that ends the conflict and protects Libya from terrorism and external interference.

The prince stressed the importance and centrality of the role Libya`s neighbors can play in helping the country reach a solution.

Later on Tuesday, the president of Tunisia Kais Saied received Prince Faisal at Carthage Palace in Tunis for discussions on regional issues, including Libya, during which the Saudi foreign minister said there was “great convergence” on the two countries and their positions.

TN, ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan on Tuesday slammed the PPP government in Sindh over its misgovernance in Karachi after heavy rain crippled the port city. While briefing the media about the decisions taken by the Federal Cabinet, Information Minister Shibli Faraz said the citizens of Karachi will "not be left at the mercy of the Sindh government" and promised that the Centre will perform its role in the matter to mitigate sufferings of the people.
Faraz said the poor sewerage system in the metropolitan city has been exposed in the recent rains, which caused serious problems for the residents. “The Sindh government has not improved the infrastructure in the city.”
He said that no attention had been paid to institutions in Karachi and the city`s infrastructure.
"Where are the billions in funds given for Karachi`s development?" he asked.
The minister said that time and again the Sindh government has "given ample evidence of incompetence".
"Looking at the situation in Karachi, it seems that there is no government there at all," he remarked.
"Members of the Assembly in Karachi have been directed to stay in touch with the people of their constituency," he said.
Demanding that the Sindh government act immediately for the redressal of the city`s problems, he said that the provincial government had always prioritised "things of surface value rather than the deep-rooted issues".
Faraz said that it is time the PPP focuses its attention on sorting Sindh`s problems rather than passing criticism on the Centre`s doings.
Since Sunday, the heavy rain showers have caused severe damage to the infrastructure of the city, and at least 10 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents.
Moreover, residents in several areas braced prolonged power outages, besides their homes being inundated from the rainwater and vehicles floating on heavily flooded streets. People should follow SOPs ahead of Eid
Cautioning people against another spike in coronavirus cases across the country, the minister said that people should follow the safety protocols formulated to stem the spread of the disease.

He reminded people that the threat of the virus has not subsided and a lack of precautionary measures can undo all the progress made.

“Due to Allah’s mercy, coronavirus cases have declined in the country,” said Faraz.

He added that the curve is flattening in Pakistan "due to the government’s successful lockdown strategy".

Commission to probe fuel shortage

Senator Shibli Faraz said the country has sufficient stock of wheat and sugar, and there is no issue of demand and supply in the commodities.

The minister said wheat is being supplied to the flour mills in Punjab, and the provincial government is providing 16 billion rupees subsidy. He, however, said the private and public sectors have been directed to import wheat to meet the deficit of 1.5 million ton wheat.

He said the district administration has been directed to take strict action against hoarders of wheat and sugar.

Faraz said the cabinet has approved the constitution of a commission to inquire into the causes of shortage of petrol last month. He said the commission will give recommendations to ensure that such a situation does not arise in future.

He added that Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed satisfaction over the encouraging indicators about Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme, which has given a boost to the construction sector. “It will have a positive impact on the overall economy.”

He said the matter about payment of outstanding dues of media houses will be resolved immediately after the Eid.

IANS, New Delhi: The first batch of Rafael jets is set to be inducted in the Indian Air Force on Wednesday and Air commodore Hilal Ahmad Rather became the first to fly the giant aircraft. Among other things, he has also been associated with the weaponisation of the Rafale aircraft for acclimatisation to Indian requirements.Hilal Ahmad Rather is presently India’s Air Attache in France.
Born in the south Kashmir’s Anantnag district to middle-class parents, Hilal’s father, late Mohammad Abdullah Rather retired as a deputy superintendent of police (Dy SP) in J&K police department.
He has three sisters and is the only son of his parents.
Hilal studied in Sainik School in Nagrota town of Jammu district. He was commissioned in IAF as a fighter pilot on December 17, 1988.
He became flight lieutenant in 1993, wing commander in 2004, group captain in 2016 and air commodore in 2019.
He graduated from defence services staff college (DSSC). He also graduated from air war college (USA) with distinction. He won sword of honour in NDA.
Hilal is the recipient of Vayu Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva medal.
With an impeccable record of 3,000 accident-free flying hours on mirage-2000, MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft, Hilal’s name will now forever be associated with Rafale in India.

Hilal Mir from Jammu and Kashmir: Veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Geelani has urged Kashmiris to observe a shutdown on Aug. 5, the day when Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir lost it special status. In a statement released by his representative on Monday, Geelani said the day should be observed as an “awareness day,” and Kashmiri diaspora should protest outside Indian embassies.

“...Kashmiris will never relinquish their rightful struggle for their rights,” read the statement.

On Aug. 5 last year, the Indian government revoked Article 370 and other related provisions from its Constitution, scrapping the country’s only Muslim-majority state with its autonomy. Jammu and Kashmir was also split into two federally administered territories.

Simultaneously, New Delhi locked the region down, detaining thousands of people that include dozens of top politicians, imposing movement restrictions and enforcing a communications blackout.

Pro-freedom leadership in Kashmir has been in disarray since last April when hundreds of leaders and activists were detained and jailed in India.

Geelani is also under house arrest for many years, and is not allowed to speak to the media. His representative based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Abdullah Geelani, releases statements on his behalf.

The statement said "the fascist Indian government" lifted the veil and forcibly merged Kashmir with its union, and "measures to convert Muslims into a minority are in full swing."

He urged to spread Kashmir`s history among the younger generation.

Last month, the 90-year-old ailing leader stepped down from the leadership of Hurriyat Conference, more than two dozen pro-freedom parties, citing internal discord among other reasons.

Kashmir is held by India and Pakistan in parts but claimed by both in full. A small sliver of the region is also controlled by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965, and 1971 -- two of them over the disputed territory.

Some groups in Indian-administered Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or unification with neighboring Pakistan.

Rahmatullah: Obaidul Quader, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister on Tuesday said Bangladesh and India are now maintaining stronger friendly, warm and development-oriented relations than any previous time. “If relations with neighboring countries become friendly and strong, it will be easier to make mutual progress and resolve unsettled bilateral issues,” he told media after Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das paid a courtesy call on him at his secretariat office.

Obaidul Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said Bangladesh-India relations are tied with the bloodstained 1971 Liberation War and the neighboring countries are tested friends. He said the relationship bridge between the two countries are advancing towards newer dimensions with the course of time.

During the meeting they discussed the progress of the under-implementation projects in road infrastructural development and public transport in Bangladesh under the Indian Lines of Credit, he added. The minister extended his thanks to the high commissioner for her cooperation in taking ahead the road infrastructural development projects in Bangladesh.

Own reporter: The central leaders of the Bangladesh Editors Forum exchanged views with Director General of Department of Film and Publication (DFP) SM Golam Kibria and Director (Administration) Monir Hossain on Tuesday on July 28, 2020 at 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The Director General and Director (Administration) of the Bangladesh Film and Publications Department listened to the central leaders of the Bangladesh Editors Forum and later assured that he would try to solve the temporary problems of the newspaper on his own initiative.

In a courtesy call on the Director General of DFP, Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, President as well as Publisher and Editor of Daily Amader Bangla, led the Bangladesh Editors Forum. Editors and publishers of various newspapers spoke to the Director General of DFP on the issues of overcoming the recent crisis, shortage of advertisements and the crisis of regular publishing and government cooperation.

During this time Editor of Dainik Alor Barta Rafiq Ullah Sikder, Editor of Daily Apon Kagaz Maksuder Rahman Manik, Editor of Daily Sangbad Mohna Fakhrul Islam, Editor of Daily Ajker Prabhat Nezamul Haque, Editor of Daily Suryodaya Subrata Shuvro and Editor of Dainik Deskal Zakir Hossain Talukder, Editor of Business Digest Shahid Ullah Prince, Acting Editor of Daily Diner Alo Md. Fazlur Rahman Zulfiqar, Editor of Daily Sonali Barta & Morning Observer Mohammad Shahjahan, Editor of Daily Evening News ABM Selim Ahmed, Editor of Daily Mathribhumir Khabar Md. Rezaul Karim (Nasir Talukder) and Abul Kashem Sohag, Executive Editor of Daily Onnayer Chitra took part in the discussion.

Later, the DFP DG and the Director (Administration) thanked all the editors present and said, "We want to cooperate with your problems." But you also have to try to continue cooperating with the DFP.

After exchanging views with the Director General, President of Bangladesh Editors Forum Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury thanked all and invited them to attend the meeting of Bangladesh Editors Forum on Wednesday 12 August at 11 am.

Ali Murat Alhas: Turkey responded on Tuesday to a US call to release Osman Kavala, saying the judicial process was still ongoing and that Washington`s call was not consistent with principles of law. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a written statement that everybody must respect the judicial process in Turkey led by independent courts, adding that Kavala had been acquitted of charges in February before being re-arrested over accusations on another crime. 

Aksoy went on to say that the US was using the legal process as an excuse not to extradite Fetullah Gulen, the US-based leader of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) that orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

He accused the US of contradicting itself in interfering in Kavala`s trial, while Hakan Atilla, the former deputy head of Turkey`s state lender Halkbank, had been held in custody in the US for months even before any charges had been brought up against him.

Aksoy concluded that the rule of law was firmly established in Turkey and that none could order its courts on judicial proceedings.

Kavala was first arrested over criminal charges related to the 2013 Gezi protests, a small number of demonstrations in Istanbul that later transformed into a nationwide wave of protests against the government which left eight protestors and a police officer dead.

The businessman was later remanded into custody by an Istanbul court as part of a probe into the 2016 defeated coup with prosecutors accusing him of spying.

FETO terror group and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey accuses FETO of a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

AA, TRABZON: The Turkish president on Tuesday reopened the country`s historic Sumela Monastery in the Black Sea province of Trabzon via video link. Speaking at the event, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rebuffed criticism over reopening of Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia as a mosque last week.

“If we were a nation targeting the symbols of other beliefs, the Sumela Monastery which we have had for the last five centuries, would be gone forever,” Erdogan said.

On July 24, Friday prayers in the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque marked the first acts of worship there in 86 years.

“On Aug. 15, our Orthodox citizens will be able to perform the [Litany of the Blessed] Virgin Mary religious service, which was suspended during the restoration period at the Sumela Monastery," he added.

Restoration works at the majestic monastery have been completed after landscaping, investigation, and strengthening of the geological and geotechnical maintenance of rocks were carried out at the monastic complex.

One of Turkey`s most important faith tourism centers, it partly opened to visitors in May 2019 after more than three years of restoration efforts, which began in February 2016.

Located in the Macka district, the monastery is a site of historical and cultural significance. It was included in UNESCO`s temporary list of World Heritage sites in 2000.

It reopened for religious use on Aug. 15, 2010 with the permission of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, following an 88-year hiatus. The cliff-face monastery, which has drawn the attention of both locals and foreigners, hosts hundreds of thousands of sightseers every year. According to the UN agency, its construction had begun in 385 A.D.

AN, JEDDAH: Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reportedly sent a letter to Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman proposing ways to end the war in Yemen. In his letter, Ahmadinejad called for the formation of a committee comprising international advocates of freedom and justice to hold talks with the warring sides, a New York Times report said. 

AN, RIYADH: Saudi Dr. Nezar Bahabri, best known for his consultations and advice on TV and social media channels, has been admitted to hospital after contracting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The internal medicine consultant, who specializes in infectious diseases, was on Monday being treated at a hospital in Jeddah after experiencing high-temperature symptoms for five days.

Colleagues and medics in the Kingdom took to Twitter to send get-well messages to the popular physician who has for years provided top health tips to people throughout the Arab-speaking world.

Bahabri had reportedly treated more than 500 patients with COVID-19 since the virus outbreak in early March.

Through his YouTube channel and other online platforms, he had also been offering regular medical advice on the virus, while raising awareness and answering questions from the public about COVID-19.

He gained a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from the school of medicine at King Faisal University, in Dammam, in 1998. He then moved to the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, from where he obtained American Board of Internal Medicine certification in 2007.

The following year, he conducted his fellowship program at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and in 2010 received the American Board of Internal Medicine award specializing in infectious diseases.

He received the UBC school of medicine’s Evelyn Prize on the internal medicine program for 2007-2008.

Bahabri is currently the director of protocol services at the Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, in Jeddah, where he also holds the position of director of academic affairs and training.

Ekramul Haque Munna, Panchagarh: The 50th birth centenary celebration and discussion meeting of Mr. Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the IT advisor and worthy son of Hon`ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was held at Panchagarh Sadar Upazila Parishad Hall in the afternoon. The program was organized by Sadar Upazila Information and Communication Technology League, Panchagarh. Kazi Al Tariq, President of Municipal Awami League and Vice Chairman of Sadar Upazila Parishad, Special Guest, Convener Panchagarh District Branch and Organizing Secretary Central Executive Committee were present as chief guests and advisors. (B.I.C.T.L.) Mr. Abu Ahmed Ripon, Member Secretary Panchagarh District Branch (B.I.C.T.L.) Mr., Ataur Rahman Ranju were also present, Thana, Upazila, Municipal Leaders. Mr. Md. Rubel Haque, Convener, Sadar Upazila Branch, Panchagarh presided over the function. Mr. Md. Lokman Hossain Babu, Member Secretary Sadar Upazila Branch, Panchagarh and other leaders were present on the occasion. At this time the ceremony was held while maintaining social distance.

Billal Hossain, Sherpur: When the whole country, including the world, is affected by the epidemic Corona and at the same time the people of our country has devastated by the floods; At that time, some unscrupulous people have overjoyed with the flood water! So where is the human conscience? Some people have already fallen into the water and died. What makes you so happy with water? If possible, try to distribute relief among the helpless people. Says Prakash Dutta, Secretary of Sherpur municipal Branch Awami League.

Liaquat Hossain, Rajshahi: Chairman of Darshanpara Union Parishad of Rajshahi Paba Upazila Kamrul Hasan Raj said that seeing my political rise, good work, service to the people and development of Darshanpara Union, an insidious group has hatched a deep conspiracy against me. No matter what the conspiracy, the people are with me, will be in the future. I have seen in some newspapers and magazines that I have been raping Rumana Khatun (30), a so-called housewife for 14 years, by showing her the temptation of marriage and writing 20 lakh Taka and a flat. The woman lodged a complaint with the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) at Karnahar police station on the 8th of this month. He said that if a man or a woman is good and if he has respect, then he can expose all these lies and filth about himself in the media. In fact, people have understood what kind of woman she is in so many days. It is also being said that I have been living in different places with that woman. I don`t understand how a married woman can say that. "I never saw him," said Raj. So how is my physical relationship with him.
"I came to my union council office one day at about 9 o`clock in the morning," he added. UDC from the office at about 10 o`clock. On the way to the room, in front of the gate, a stranger suddenly came to the council with a child and told me that no matter what expenses I was given, no matter what I inquired about. Saying this, the woman started shouting. I tell him who you are, where you come from, what he is talking about. Then he started abusing me in vulgar language. At one point I arrested him through the village police of the Union Parishad and called the Karnahar police station. The police of Karnahar police station came to my office and took the woman to the police station.

Sheikh Jahan Ronny, Madhabpur: Under the joint supervision of Shahjahanpur Union Parishad and Bank Asia Limited in Madhabpur Upazila of Habiganj, Shahjahanpur Union started its activities on the 17th of this month and ended its payment today. On Tuesday, July 28, in the 8th Shahjahanpur Union of the upazila, maintaining the social distance through Bank Asia Limited in wards 1 to 9, last year from July to June 2020, a lump sum of 79 old age allowance, 45 widow allowance, 250 disabled people. Allowance, a total of 29,94,000 / - (only twenty nine lakh ninety four thousand rupees) allowance is paid.

Bank Asia officer Salman Shah said that earlier the beneficiaries had to bring the allowance from Noapara. However, for the convenience of the beneficiaries, from now on the beneficiaries will be able to get the allowance from Shahjahanpur Union Parishad.
Ward member of 6th Shahjahanpur Union Parishad Enam Mia was present at the time. Bank Asia Officer Salman Shah, Union Social Worker Yasmin Akhter and Entrepreneur Vishnu Sarkar.

10th Annual General Meeting of Agrani Equity and Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Agrani Bank Ltd.
The 10th Annual General Meeting of Agrani Equity and Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Agrani Bank Limited, was held today, Tuesday, July 2৮, 2020, via video conference. Honorable Chairman of the Board of Directors of Agrani Equity and Investment Limited. The meeting was chaired by Zayed Bakht and was attended by Kashem Humayun, Board Member of the Bank, Mrs. Mahmuda Begum (Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Relations), Mohammad Shams-ul Islam (MD & CEO, Agrani Bank Ltd.). Md. Anisur Rahman (DMD, Agrani Bank Ltd.), Mrityunjay Saha (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance) and CEO Ahmed Yusuf Abbas participated. Company Secretary Mrs. Arundhati presided over the meeting. The meeting approved the minutes of the 9th Annual General Meeting and approved the financial statements for the year 2019.

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Press Release: The 10th Annual General Meeting of Agrani Equity and Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Agrani Bank Limited, was held today, Tuesday, July 28, 2020, via video conference. Honorable Chairman of the Board of Directors of Agrani Equity and Investment Limited. The meeting was chaired by Zayed Bakht and was attended by Kashem Humayun, Board Member of the Bank, Mrs. Mahmuda Begum (Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Relations), Mohammad Shams-ul Islam (MD & CEO, Agrani Bank Ltd.). Md. Anisur Rahman (DMD, Agrani Bank Ltd.), Mrityunjay Saha (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance) and CEO Ahmed Yusuf Abbas participated. Company Secretary Mrs. Arundhati presided over the meeting. The meeting approved the minutes of the 9th Annual General Meeting and approved the financial statements for the year 2019.

Press Release: DUJ President Quader Gani Chowdhury and General Secretary Md. Fazluun Nazima Khanam, a senior member of the National Press Club and Dhaka Journalists Union-DUJ and former sub-editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, have expressed deep grief over his death. Shahidul Islam. They expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. Note that Fazlun Nazima Khanam passed away at her home in Dakarkhali village of Harirampur police station of Manikganj at 4.55 am on Tuesday (Innalillahi ..... Rajyun). He was 76 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by a son, numerous relatives, friends and admirers. For a long time he was suffering from various diseases including geriatric complications. Her notable publications are self-written poems, The Role of Women in the Garment Industry. Besides, she also taught at Shaheed Manik Girls High School at one time. He was buried at the family graveyard after Janaza at his village home in Manikganj after Johar on Tuesday.

Own correspondent: Saidul Islam Majumder, a young journalist, has been appointed as the district representative of Cox`s Bazar in the horizon of national daily Alor. Fatema Islam Tania, acting editor of Alor Digant, signed the office order on Tuesday. He had been the Cox`s Bazar Sadar Upazila correspondent of the national daily Asia Bani, Alokit Pratidin and the English daily Muslim Times. Acting Editor Fatema Islam Tania and Publisher Tajul Islam expressed their gratitude to all concerned for being appointed as the Cox`s Bazar District Representative on the horizon of the national daily Alo. He sought the overall cooperation and blessings of all so that he could continue his journalistic activities successfully by serving objective news.

AKM Bazlur Rahman, Panchagarh: A tree planting and distribution program has been held in Panchagarh on the occasion of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman`s centenary birth anniversary and Mujib Year. On Tuesday (July 28) at noon, Dhakkamara Union Awami League organized a tree planting at the premises of Bir Muktijoddha Sirajul Islam Railway Station and Dhakkamara Union Ward.

Various fruit and forest trees were distributed among the leaders and workers of Awami League. Among others, District Awami League Secretary for Agriculture and Heroic Freedom Fighter Jaker Hossain, President of Dhakkamara Union No. 8 Rabiul Islam Robi, General Secretary Tariqul Islam, former President of Dhakkamara Union Awami League Nurul Islam and other ward Awami League leaders and workers were present. Mazaharul Haque, MP from Panchagarh 1 constituency, planted trees and distributed more than 15 hundred trees in different varieties of fruits and forests in the hands of Awami League leaders and activists of Dhakkamara Union ward.

Bachchu, Kushtia Correspondent: Eid-ul-Azha is just a few days away. There is not much activity in the blacksmith community of Kushtia centered on Eid. In other years, the blacksmiths were busy during this time. They are waiting all year round for the income of Eid-ul-Azha. But their busyness has not started yet. The blacksmiths mainly earn extra money for the whole year ahead of Eid-ul-Azha and they use this money to meet the additional needs of the family. But this year`s Eid picture is completely different. This time the work of the blacksmiths of the district has also decreased due to the decrease in animal sacrifice in Kushtia due to the effect of corona. This has caused frustration among the blacksmiths. The blacksmiths are not able to see the expected buyers even though they have made chapatis, knives and pots for sale. The people of the blacksmith community of the district are living in anxiety and frustration with their families. Going to the blacksmiths` shops in different areas of Kushtia, it is seen that their busyness is very low. Due to the increase in the price of iron and coal, they are not able to make many tools including knives, chapatis and choras as before, on the other hand, the number of buyers has also decreased due to the increase in the price of everything. Even then, the blacksmiths of Kushtia district are waiting in the hope of buying and selling something at the last minute.

Abdur Razzak Bachchu, Kushtia: Former joint convener of Kushtia city Juba League ZM Samrat (31) has been arrested by Sirajganj RAB-12 with foreign pistols, magazines and bullets. At that time, RAB arrested one of his associates named Deen Islam Russell (28). On Monday (July 27) at around 4 am, RAB arrested them from Bara Ailchara area under Kushtia Sadar Police Station. The emperor is the son of Aminul Islam of Renwick Kamalapur area of ​​Kushtia town and Russell is the son of late Golam Rasul of Majampur area. Sirajganj RAB-12 has confirmed this information through a press release. According to RAB, on the basis of secret information, a RAB expedition team led by Pabna Camp Company Commander Aminul Islam under the direction of Sirajganj RAB-12 CO Lieutenant Colonel Khairul Islam (PSC) conducted an operation in Bara Ailchara area of ​​Kushtia Sadar Police Station. Meanwhile, RAB arrested ZM Samrat, a former joint convener of Kushtia city Juba League, and his associates with 3 foreign pistols, 3 magazines and 9 rounds of ammunition.

Md. Tauhidur Rahman, Chitalmari: Chitalmari Officer-in-Charge Mir Shariful Haque has exchanged views with the journalists including the president-general secretary of the newly elected committee of Chitalmari Upazila Press Club in Bagerhat. The meeting was held at the office of the officer-in-charge at 2 pm on Tuesday. President of the newly formed committee of Chitalmari Upazila Press Club Pradeep Mandal, General Secretary Md. Tauhidur Rahman Babu, former President Pankaj Mandal, former General Secretary Shafiqul Islam Safa, Founder General Secretary Shekhar Bhakta were present at the occasion. OC (Investigation) Mohammad Ikram Hossain, Treasurer of Chitalmari Upazila Press Club Mohammad Kamrul Islam, member Hafizur Rahman among others were present at the meeting. At this time, OC Mir Shariful Haque expressed his firm belief to eradicate all kinds of criminal activities including drugs, usury, militancy and eve-teasing from Chitalmari upazila by December 16. He sought the cooperation of journalists in all these activities. In the context of this call, the journalists assured overall cooperation. He also painted a picture of law and order during his tenure of more than one year.

Faisal Azam Apu, Chapainawabganj: Chapainawabganj Sadar Model Police Officer-in-Charge OC. Farewell to the transfer of Ziaur Rahman PPM and the new OC. Mozaffar Hossain`s reception was given. On Monday night, Sadar Model Police was present as the chief guest at the farewell reception, Additional Superintendent of Police (Nawabganj Circle) said. Iqbal Hossain PPM. The OC (investigation) presided over. Kabir Hossain and was in overall cooperation and performance, OC (Operations) said. Mintu Rahman. The outgoing OC was presented with a crest of honor at the ceremony. The new OC was greeted with flowers. Present at the time, the district`s prominent businessman. Samiul Haque Liton, the owner of the prominent businessman Grameen Travels. Mokhlesur Rahman, prominent businessman Akbar Hossain, Councilor Ziaur Rahman Arman, Tasikul Islam, journalist Shahidul Huda Alok, Imran Farooq Masum, Rafiqul Islam, Dablu Kumar Ghosh, Faisal Azam Apu, Nadim Hossain and other media personnel.

The outgoing OC was presented with a crest of honor. Apart from this, people of various dignitaries greeted him with flowers.

Press Release: The Jatrabari Sub-branch of First Security Islami Bank Ltd. started its operation at Noor Tower, 14/4 North-West Jatrabari, Dhaka on July 28, 2020 with a view to providing shariah based modern banking services to its clients. Mr. Syed Waseque Md Ali, Managing Director of First Security Islami Bank inaugurated the sub-branch from FSIBL Head Office through Video Conference. Among others, Mr. Abdul Aziz & Mr. Md. Mustafa Khair, Additional Managing Director(s) along with other high officials were present at the occasion. A Doa Mahfil was organized in this regard.

A renowned Miss Earth is an international beauty pageant that has been held in 94 countries for over 20 years. This competition gives priority to the beauty of intellect and conscience over the external glamor of women. Bangladesh is going to participate in this competition for the first time since 2020. Bangladeshi consultancy firm Triple Nine Global has been licensed for the competition. Registration for the competition, a joint venture between Triple Nine Global and OSHESH Ltd., started on July 25 and will continue till August 18.

The main competition will start on August 22 and end on October 4, 2020. The international event will start on October 22 in Manilla, Philippines & end in December. Miss Earth is the first international beauty pageant in Bangladesh which is going to be held entirely online. Women who can make new products from waste unused plastic, cloth, e-waste, metal, paper, and organic waste will be considered as an especial qualification to be a participant. Each contestant receives a guaranteed gift and the top 16 winners receive attractive prizes. Besides, about 1000 creative contestants will be featured as women entrepreneurs.

Naila Noman Bari, National Director of Miss Earth Bangladesh, said, "We are calling these girls as `Super Girls`." Every family has a supergirl. Immediate past district governor, Rotary District-3281, Rotarian Khairul Alam Said, “Miss Earth Bangladesh is a innovation for women empowerment.” 3R craftsmanship can become the earning source of the family`s bad times. We want to make positive use of social media platforms to make people aware of the use of re-use and re-cycle products. Besides, we want to contribute to creating new buyers and sellers of these products to prevent pollution in the environment.

Its chief adviser, internationally acclaimed film director Noman Robin, said that at least twice a year, government, private, autonomous, global organizations give away various items to their well-wishers as a gift. They can use hand-made recycled, re-used products as gifts made by our educated young women & encourage creating a new marketplace. This will reduce the garbage in nature a little, increase awareness, some educated conscientious women will stand on their own feet. So, we urge everyone to unite with this initiative.

Corporate Desk: More than 1.5 million 5G base stations to be deployed by the end of this year where 81 telecom carriers have rolled out commercial 5G network by now covering 90 million 5G users with 700,000 5G base stations as per recent data. The countries and regions covered by these networks account for 72 percent of the world’s GDP, including leading economies in Europe and the Asia Pacific.
Guo Ping, Rotating Chairman of Huawei, has shared his projection on the ‘Better World Summit 2020’, which was organised by Huawei.

The Summit is taking place virtually from July 27 – July 30, 2020, said a release yesterday.

Guo Ping has delivered his keynote speech on the first day of the Summit, and according to him, 5G has the power to boost digital transformation across all sectors of society.

The pandemic has reshaped the way everyone is living and working and has dealt a heavy blow to the economy. Fortunately, ICT can help people to fight back against the virus on multiple fronts.

Guo Ping added, “As an ICT company, it’s our responsibility to use the technology, together with our partners and customers, including carriers and enterprises, to effect a positive impact on our communities.”

By drawing its experience in early hotspots, like Italy and China, Huawei has developed nine scenario-based solutions that can use ICT technology to combat the pandemic.
Whether it’s hospital network development, remote consultations, online education, or restarting governments and businesses, Huawei has been sharing its experience and capabilities to help control the spread of the virus and reopen economies.

Globally, Guo Ping stated, “We expect to see more than 1.5 million 5G base stations to be deployed by the end of this year. As global 5G deployment begins to wrap up, we need to strengthen our focus on industry applications. This will help us unleash the full potential of 5G.”

Moreover, the business case for 5G is not just better connectivity. When technologies like 5G, computing, cloud, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) come together, they reinforce each other and create numerous opportunities across five major tech domains: connectivity, AI, cloud, computing, and industry applications.

Guo Ping commented, “From businesses to campus and cities, we can meet a diverse range of digital transformation needs by drawing on the synergy between five major domains. Numerous organizations around the world have already started reaping the benefits of 5G technology. For example, Shenzhen airport is using ICT to optimize the flow of passengers and have been able to reduce the boarding time from 40 minutes to 25 minutes.”

Huawei has in-depth strengths in each of the five domains. Guo Ping commented, “We can mix and match them to create scenario-based solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers and partners. This is key to unlocking the full potential of 5G and driving commercial success.”

Guo Ping also remarked, “For 5G to succeed commercially, the whole industry needs to work together. First, we need unified standards for industry scenarios. Then we need to unify standards for applications. Moving forward, Huawei will double down on efforts to equip our partners with the capabilities they need, promote joint innovation, and drive growth for everyone in the value chain.”

Considering the current crisis, the carriers need to focus on both short-term and long-term goals. Carriers need to figure out ways to evolve their networks, which will best address scenario-specific requirements.

Guo Ping added, “Future network plans should take into account four factors: business growth, uncertainties, social responsibility, and cost optimization. The ideal target network would be one that provides ultra-broadband connectivity, a network that is simplified and intelligent. But the most fundamental goal should be to maximize the value of networks to unlock their full potential and achieve business success across the board.”

Guo Ping continued, “We have a broad set of capabilities spanning 5G, computing, cloud, AI, and industrial applications. By leveraging these strengths, we can provide scenario-based solutions that unlock the full potential of 5G and help both our customers and partners achieve greater business success.”

Yesterday, the Summit was attended by the representatives of various telecom carriers, regulators, analysts, media, and industry experts around the globe.

Some of the renowned speakers were Liu Guiqing, Executive Vice President, Executive Director, China Telecom; Hatem Bamatraf, Chief Technology Officer, Etisalat International; Bernice Samuels, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN; Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA; and Adrian Scarse, Head, 3GPP MCC, Chief Technology Officer, ETSI.

MT Correspondent: Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal President Shafiul Bari Babu died of cancer at Evercare Hospital in the capital early Tuesday. He was 49. “He breathed his last at 4:00 am at the hospital,” said BNP chairperson’s media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan.
He left behind one son and one daughter and a host of well-wishers to mourn his death. Swechchasebak Dal General Secretary Abdul Quader Bhuiyan Jewel said Babu was shifted to Evercare Hospital from Anwar Khan Modern Hospital and moved to its intensive care unit (ICU) at 1:52am where he died at 4:00 am.
BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam expressed shock at the premature death of Shafiul Bari.

Shafiul Bari Babu was the student of University of Dhaka and  he was the former Secretay General of Jatiyatabadi Chhatradal. 

Sports Desk: Fawad Alam and Wahab Riaz have been included in the shortlisted 20-member Pakistan squad for the three-match Test series against England. The squad has been shortlisted following the conclusion of two four-day intra-squad matches, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Monday.
Pakistan`s squad for Test series against England: Azhar Ali (c), Babar Aazam, Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan Snr, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah.

In September 2019, Riaz had taken the indefinite break from the red-ball cricket to focus on the shortest format of the game.

Now, he has returned to Pakistan`s Test squad. Meanwhile, the remaining nine players - Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, and Musa Khan - will continue to train with the squad for the T20I series, which will be played after the Test series.

Pakistan and England are slated to play three Tests and three T20Is against each other.

The first Test of the series is slated to be played from August 5 at Manchester.

News Desk: Rajib Bhattachariya, a physician of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University’s neurosurgery department, has died after suffering fatal burns in a fire fuelled by hand sanitiser at their home in Dhaka’s Hatirpool. The 36-year-old doctor breathed his last at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Tuesday morning.
His wife Anushka Bhattacharya, 32, registrar of ophthalmology department at Central Medical College in Shyamoli, is now undergoing treatment at the hospital with 20 percent burn injuries.

The doctor couple was burnt in what police say was fire fuelled by hand sanitiser at their on Wednesday morning. The fire erupted when Rajib was pouring hand sanitiser from one bottle to another in their second-storey flat on a building near Eastern Plaza.
Some sanitiser spilled at that time and fire from mosquito coil or some other source sparked a flame. Anushka was injured when she tried to rescue her husband.

The couple’s 5-year-old daughter has been staying with Rajib’s parents in Cumilla for several weeks apparently because Rajib and Anushka feared the girl would get infected from them amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The flood-hit people of 31 districts in the country are leading a very miserable life as the deluge has damaged their cropland and washed away houses, cattle and other valuables.

Over 4.7 million people of 908 unions under 153 upazilas in 31 districts have been seriously affected by the devastating flood that has been continuing for the last one month.
Sufferings of the flood-hit people in these areas know no bounds due to lack of food and pure drinking water, locals said adding that government relief is too meagre to meet their demand.

Many flood victims have started selling their cattle and other valuables to somehow manage their daily meals as they have lost everything in the flooding, they said.

“We are being compelled to sell our cattle for survival. It is not possible for us to spend on cattle rearing in such a situation,” a flood-hit farmer Baten told the daily sun.

“Prices of cattle have fallen in the flood-hit areas and so we are forced to sell our cattle at throw-away prices,” he added.

The flood-hit districts are Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Jamalpur, Sunamganj, Sirajganj, Bogura, Jamalpur, Sylhet, Tangail, Rajbari, Madaripur, Manikganj, Faridpur, Netrokona, Naogaon, Shariatpur, Dhaka, Munshiganj, Kishorganj, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Natore, Habiganj, Mymensing, Rajshahi, Moulovibazar and Gazipur, according National Disaster Response Coordination Center (NDRRC).

Of the districts, flood situation in Kurigram, Bogra, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Sirajganj, Tangail and Manikganj may further deteriorate, said Arifuzzaman Bhuiyan, executive engineer of Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
“The flooding in the districts may continue till the first week of August,” he added.

West Bengal, Asam and Meghalaya of India  may witness heavy rain in the next 48 to 72 hours that may further worsen the flooding in Bangladesh, according to FFWC.

“Water level of the rivers around Dhaka city may continue to rise. The Lakhya river may continue to swell in Narayanganj. As a result, the flood situation in the low-lying areas of the district persist for the next seven days.”

“Water level of the Balu river at Demra, the Turag at Mirpur, the Dhaleshwari at Rekabi Bazar may rise further. This may result in flooding of low-lying areas in Dhaka in the next seven days,” the FFWC official said. Ganges-Padma River may steadily rise. Water level at Goalondo station in Rajbari, Bhagyakul station in Munshiganj and Sureshwar station in Shariatpur district may continue to rise.

Road communications in the flood-affected districts are in a bad shape as many embankments and culverts have been damaged by the ongoing flooding.

The government has geared up relief distribution among the flood victims in the affected areas. Water level of the country’s major rivers was rising at 37 out of 101 points on Monday morning, a FFWC bulletin said.

Seventeen major rivers were flowing above danger marks at 30 stations on Monday, it added.

The novel coronavirus has killed 656,608​ people in the  213 countries and territories since the virus emerged in Wuhan of China last December, according to latest data from worldometer.
 

So far, 16,646,987 people were infected with coronavirus worldwide at 10:20 am on Tuesday (Bangladesh Time). Of them, 10,232,055 patients have been considered recovered.

 

Apart from this, the number of active cases are 5,758,324, the source said.

 

Among other coronavirus affected countries, the US has gone up to 150,444 deaths, followed by Brazil with 87,737, UK 45,759, Mexico 44,022, Italy 35,112, France 30,209, India 33,448, Spain 28,434, Iran 15,912, Russia 13,354, China 4,634, Indonesia 4,838, Saudi Arabia 2,760 and Australia 167 respectively, according to worldometer.