Tag: Bangladesh

  • USA Beat Bangladesh In 1st T20I To Take 1-0 Lead In Series | cricket news

    Riding high on Corey Anderson and Harmeet Singh’s valiant effort, cricketing upstarts US pulled off a major upset, defeating Bangladesh by 5 wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series here at the Prairie View Cricket Complex. At a time the giants and recognised cricketing nations are gearing up for the highly-anticipated T20 World Cup, which is less than ten days away, the co-hosts of the marquee event pulled off an unprecedented victory over a decidedly stronger and much-fancied Bangladesh side.

    After managing to keep Bangladesh to 153/6 in the first innings, the USA gave themselves a platform to bolster their chances of pulling off an upset. The opening pair of Steven Taylor and captain Monank Patel raced to 27 runs in the first three overs.

    But Monank (12) got run out at the non-striker’s end. Andries Gous (23) arrived at the crease and scored runs at a brisk pace before losing his wicket to Rishad Hossain. Taylor (28) looked well set for an extended stay on the crease but Mustafizur Rahman got better of the batter.

    As the promising-looking chase started to go astray in the middle overs, Anderson and Harmeet raised hopes of a win. Harmeet changed the complexion of the game with back-to-back sixes off Mustafizur in the 17th over.

    In the 18th over, Shoriful Islam fell at the receiving end as Harmeet put on a boundary fest. A towering six on the second ball was followed by a boundary on the final delivery. With 14 runs in the over, the equation came down to 24 runs in the final two. Anderson took the mantle of finishing off the game with two sixes and a boundary in the next nine balls. His finishing touches sealed a 5-wicket win for the USA over Bangladesh.

    Earlier in the innings, after winning the toss and putting Bangladesh to bat, it was a moderate performance from the visitors. A conservative approach in the powerplay, saw Bangladesh put 37/2 on board. Shakib Al Hasan struggled before getting run out.

    Towhid Hridoy (58) starred with the bat on the back of his performance in the recently concluded Zimbabwe series. Mahmudullah led the attack in the death overs. But USA bowlers kept their line and length tight to restrict Bangladesh to 153/6.

  • Bangladesh Goes To Polls Today Amid Tight Security | world news

    Dhaka: Nearly 170 million people in Bangladesh will vote to elect 299 lawmakers during the 12th national election on Sunday amid a boycott by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, after PM Sheikh Hasina denied its demand to resign and let A caretaker government runs the election, Al Jazeera reported.

    More than 42,000 polling stations are set for Sunday’s elections, where a total of 119.6 million registered voters are eligible to cast their votes, as reported by the country’s Election Commission. Women make up almost half of the nearly 120 million eligible voters, while first-time voters number about 15 million.

    Al Jazeera reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to win a fourth straight term in the absence of the main Opposition BNP which on Saturday began a 48-hour nationwide strike against the “illegal government” amid violence and a crackdown on protesters, Al Jazeera reported.

    The Supreme Court on December 27 provided clearance for the Election Commission (EC) to proceed with the general elections. Highlighting the security concerns, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has instructed private hospitals and clinics across Bangladesh to keep health services operational and to remain prepared to handle emergencies from Saturday to Wednesday, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

    The directive was issued in a letter signed by DGHS Deputy Director Abu Hussain Md Moinul Ahsan. This letter was sent to the president, secretary of the Bangladesh Private Clinic Hospital and Diagnostic Center Owners Association, and the president of the Bangladesh Private Medical College Owners Association, among other relevant parties.

    As per the letter, private clinics, hospitals, and medical college hospitals must remain fully prepared to handle any emergencies during and after the election until January 10, according to Dhaka Tribune.

    Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised to maintain cooperation and friendly relations with India if she is re-elected in the parliamentary polls next month. The reaffirmation came as she unveiled the manifesto of the ruling Awami League party in December, for the upcoming general elections.

    Hasina underlined that if her party secures victory, Bangladesh will persist in its development collaboration with all nations, highlighting its commitment to fostering positive diplomatic ties and cooperation.

    Specifically mentioning India-Bangladesh ties, the manifesto states, “The long-standing problem of demarcation of land boundaries and exchange of enclaves with India has been resolved. This achievement has encouraged continued multilateral cooperation and friendly relations with India.”

    Moreover, earlier on Friday, three members of the Election Commission of India (ECI) arrived in Dhaka ahead of Bangladesh’s 12th general elections. They will actively participate as part of the international election observer team, contributing to the monitoring process.

    The Election Commission has made thorough arrangements for the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election on January 7 to ensure a peaceful process. As many as 127 foreign observers will track the election process to assess the election’ fairness.

    International election expert teams from the European Union are present in Dhaka, with foreign observers from various countries, including a Commonwealth team, set to monitor the elections. Despite the preparations, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has decided to boycott the polls. To prevent voting, the BNP has started a 48-hour strike starting commencing on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s “illegal government,” the Dhaka Tribune reported.

    Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the BNP has decided to boycott the general election scheduled for Sunday. The party is advocating for the formation of an interim non-party neutral government to oversee the election, a demand that has been rebuffed by the government led by Prime Minister Hasina.

    The BNP will carry out processions, mass campaigns and distribute leaflets against the polls across the country, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. Moreover, the second day of the hartal coincides with the election, which has already gathered global attention.

    Adding to the already existing hurdles, the Bangladesh Election Commission’s election application, “Smart Election Management BD” crashed on the eve of the general elections. The Tk21 crore app, launched by the Election Commission for voters to find election-related details, including polling center locations, stopped working a day before the polling date.

    Furthermore, at least 14 polling centers and two schools in 10 districts of Bangladesh were set on fire between Friday evening and early Saturday hours before general elections, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

    However, the general elections in Bangladesh will witness participation from approximately 30 countries and 180 overseas observers, signifying international interest and observation in the electoral process.

  • Tragic Train Fire in Bangladesh Claims 4 Lives; Police Suspect Planned Attack world news

    Dhaka: Four people died after an intercity Benapole Express train caught fire in Bangladesh’s Gopibagh, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. Dhaka Tribune reported that the incident took place around 9.05 pm on Friday and at least five compartments of the train have been set ablaze by “miscreants”. However, the victims could not be identified yet.

    Reportedly, seven firefighting units were brought in to control the fire, according to the duty officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, Rakibul Hasan. Following the incident, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Mahid Uddin alleged that the Benapole Express train fire was a “planned attack”.

    #WATCH | A passenger train was set on fire in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka yesterday (January 5) ahead of the country’s general election this weekend.

    At least four people died aboard the intercity train, reports Reuters quoting local newspaper Dhaka Tribune.

    (Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/FoFZVsqZ6u — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024

    The incident happened just two days ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections. “We cannot say for sure who carried out the arson attack but it is sabotage for sure,” he said. The official added that those who carried out the attack will be brought under the law. “Such behavior towards common people, children and women are inhumane.”

    He further said that the people who committed the crime might have disguised themselves as passengers, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. Moreover, Ashraf Hossain, sub-inspector of Dhaka Railway Police Station, said that they received a fire report from the emergency service number around 9:07 pm. However, police officials are still fearing that people could be trapped inside the train, Dhaka Tribune reported.

  • Asia heatwaves made 30 times more likely by climate change: Study

    Parts of India saw temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) in mid-April, with at least 11 deaths near Mumbai attributed to heat stroke on a single day. I NEW DELHI: Climate change made record-breaking deadly heatwaves in Bangladesh, India, Laos and Thailand last month at least 30 times more likely, according to a study published Wednesday.

    Parts of India saw temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) in mid-April, with at least 11 deaths near Mumbai attributed to heat stroke on a single day. In Bangladesh, Dhaka suffered its hottest day in almost 60 years.

    The city of Tak in Thailand saw its highest-ever temperature of 45.4 Celsius, while Sainyabuli province in Laos hit 42.9 Celsius, an all-time national temperature record, the study by the World Weather Attribution group said.

    Two deaths were reported in Thailand, but the real toll was likely higher as the extreme heat caused widespread hospitalisations, with the poor and vulnerable the worst affected.

    The new study by international climate scientists looked at the average maximum temperature and the maximum heat index, which includes humidity.

    “In both regions, the researchers found that climate change made the humid heatwave at least 30 times more likely, with temperatures at least 2 degrees Celsius hotter than they would have been without climate change,” WWA said in a statement.

    FROM OUR ARCHIVES | Asia sweats and simmers under heat wave conditions

    “Until overall greenhouse gas emissions are halted, global temperatures will continue to increase and events like this will become more frequent and severe,” it added.

    The analysis also found that such events in India and Bangladesh, previously once-a-century, can now be expected around once every five years because of human-caused climate change.

    For Laos and Thailand, if global temperatures rise by two degrees Celsius — as will happen within around 30 years if emissions are not cut rapidly — such extreme events could happen every 20 years, compared to every two centuries now, the study said.

    “We see again and again that climate change dramatically increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, one of the deadliest weather events there are,” said Friederike Otto of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, who was involved in the study.

    “Still, heat action plans are only being introduced very slowly across the globe. They need to be an absolute priority adaptation action everywhere, but in particular in places where high humidity enhances the impacts of heatwaves,” she added.

    Scientists were previously reluctant to directly link a particular event to climate change, but in recent years a new field of “attribution science”, like that done by the WWA, has emerged.

    Some weather events have a more complicated relationship to global warming than others, with the relationship to heatwaves and increased rainfall relatively easy to study.

    Other phenomena such as droughts, snowstorms, tropical storms and wildfires are more complicated however, according to the WWA.

  • India, Bangladesh play significant role in ensuring security of region: B’desh Air Force Chief

    By PTI

    HYDERABAD: India and Bangladesh have a pivotal role to play in ensuring the security of the region, Chief of Bangladesh Air Force Air Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan said here on Saturday.

    Speaking as the chief guest at the Combined Graduation Parade of Flight Cadets of various branches of the Indian Air Force, Hannan said both countries have an “umbilical connection” and that relationship has been more profound since the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971.

    “Both the countries have a significant role to play in ensuring the security of the region and our defence forces conduct regular joint exercises to ensure that we have synergy in our efforts,” he said.

    Noting that Bangladesh Air Force was born in Dimapur in India on September 28, 1971, the air force chief of the neighbouring country said with that heritage today both countries have an understanding of mutual trust and respect.

    “India and Bangladesh have an umbilical connection. This connection has been more profound since the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971. This makes me recall the invaluable contribution of India as a whole and the Indian Air Force in particular in the 1971 war of liberation,” he said.

    Offering advice to the passing out cadets, Hannan said in this technology-driven world, air and space power will play a key role in 21st-century warfare and will continue to do so in the future.

    According to him, currently and also in times to come, the world will face many security challenges that could be effectively countered by continuously upgrading and improving technological capabilities.

    “In order to stay ahead of time and be well prepared for the growing requirements, strategies should be dynamic, flexible and updated. It is in this context that the Indian Air Force stands to derive maximum benefit from the young and innovative minds that can take on the challenges in a professional and competent manner,” he said.

    The Bangladesh Defence official said the IAF is keeping pace with the changing environment and has improved the training curriculum recently to train resilient, dynamic and field-ready officers.

    HYDERABAD: India and Bangladesh have a pivotal role to play in ensuring the security of the region, Chief of Bangladesh Air Force Air Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan said here on Saturday.

    Speaking as the chief guest at the Combined Graduation Parade of Flight Cadets of various branches of the Indian Air Force, Hannan said both countries have an “umbilical connection” and that relationship has been more profound since the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971.

    “Both the countries have a significant role to play in ensuring the security of the region and our defence forces conduct regular joint exercises to ensure that we have synergy in our efforts,” he said.

    Noting that Bangladesh Air Force was born in Dimapur in India on September 28, 1971, the air force chief of the neighbouring country said with that heritage today both countries have an understanding of mutual trust and respect.

    “India and Bangladesh have an umbilical connection. This connection has been more profound since the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971. This makes me recall the invaluable contribution of India as a whole and the Indian Air Force in particular in the 1971 war of liberation,” he said.

    Offering advice to the passing out cadets, Hannan said in this technology-driven world, air and space power will play a key role in 21st-century warfare and will continue to do so in the future.

    According to him, currently and also in times to come, the world will face many security challenges that could be effectively countered by continuously upgrading and improving technological capabilities.

    “In order to stay ahead of time and be well prepared for the growing requirements, strategies should be dynamic, flexible and updated. It is in this context that the Indian Air Force stands to derive maximum benefit from the young and innovative minds that can take on the challenges in a professional and competent manner,” he said.

    The Bangladesh Defence official said the IAF is keeping pace with the changing environment and has improved the training curriculum recently to train resilient, dynamic and field-ready officers.

  • 1971 war was triumph of humanity over inhumanity: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity and justice over injustice, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday on the occasion of Vijay Diwas that marks India’s decisive victory over Pakistan which led to the birth of Bangladesh.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also saluted the brave Indian Armed Forces whose valour led to the victory in the war.

    “Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces,” Singh tweeted.

    Around 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered before the joint forces of the Indian Army and the “Mukti Bahini” on December 16, 1971, which paved the way for the birth of Bangladesh.

    “On Vijay Divas, join the nation in saluting our brave Indian Armed Forces whose valour led to a decisive victory in the 1971 war. We will always be grateful for their service and sacrifices,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    On Vijay Divas, join the nation in saluting our brave Indian Armed Forces whose valor led to a decisive victory in the 1971 war.We will always be grateful for their service and sacrifices.
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 16, 2022
    Every year, India celebrates December 16 as Vijay Diwas to remember its historic victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

    Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande hosted an ‘At Home’ event on Thursday on the eve of the Vijay Diwas which was attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.

    Nation will always be indebted to armed forces: PM Modi on Vijay Diwas 

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to armed forces on Vijay Diwas, saying the nation will always be indebted to them for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.

    Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 to commemorate India’s win over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh as a sovereign country.

    The prime minister tweeted, “On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war.

    On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war. Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2022
    Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.

    Prez Murmu recalls unparalleled courage, sacrifice of armed forces on Vijay Diwas 

    President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the nation remembers with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by the country’s armed forces during the 1971 war, and stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice continue to inspire every Indian.

    Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Bangladesh, then part of Pakistan, became an independent country after the war.

    On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by our armed forces during the 1971 war. Stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice for the nation continue to inspire every Indian.
    — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2022
    “On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by our armed forces during the 1971 war. Stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice for the nation continue to inspire every Indian,” Murmu tweeted.

    NEW DELHI: The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity and justice over injustice, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday on the occasion of Vijay Diwas that marks India’s decisive victory over Pakistan which led to the birth of Bangladesh.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also saluted the brave Indian Armed Forces whose valour led to the victory in the war.

    “Today, on Vijay Diwas, the Nation salutes the exemplary courage, bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces. The 1971 war was the triumph of humanity over inhumanity, virtue over misconduct and justice over injustice. India is proud of its Armed Forces,” Singh tweeted.

    Around 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered before the joint forces of the Indian Army and the “Mukti Bahini” on December 16, 1971, which paved the way for the birth of Bangladesh.

    “On Vijay Divas, join the nation in saluting our brave Indian Armed Forces whose valour led to a decisive victory in the 1971 war. We will always be grateful for their service and sacrifices,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    On Vijay Divas, join the nation in saluting our brave Indian Armed Forces whose valor led to a decisive victory in the 1971 war.
    We will always be grateful for their service and sacrifices.
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 16, 2022
    Every year, India celebrates December 16 as Vijay Diwas to remember its historic victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

    Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande hosted an ‘At Home’ event on Thursday on the eve of the Vijay Diwas which was attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.

    Nation will always be indebted to armed forces: PM Modi on Vijay Diwas 

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to armed forces on Vijay Diwas, saying the nation will always be indebted to them for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.

    Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 to commemorate India’s win over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh as a sovereign country.

    The prime minister tweeted, “On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war.

    On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war. Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2022
    Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.

    Prez Murmu recalls unparalleled courage, sacrifice of armed forces on Vijay Diwas 

    President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the nation remembers with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by the country’s armed forces during the 1971 war, and stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice continue to inspire every Indian.

    Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Bangladesh, then part of Pakistan, became an independent country after the war.

    On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by our armed forces during the 1971 war. Stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice for the nation continue to inspire every Indian.
    — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2022
    “On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by our armed forces during the 1971 war. Stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice for the nation continue to inspire every Indian,” Murmu tweeted.

  • Marwari horses exported for first time; to serve in Bangladesh President entourage

    By PTI

    JODHPUR: Six Marwari horses have been exported from Jodhpur to Bangladesh where they will be used for carrying the cart of Bangladesh’s President, an official of the All India Marwari Horse Society said.

    This is for the first time that this indigenous breed of horse from the desert has been exported.

    Jangjeet Singh Nathawat, Secretary of the All India Marwari Horse Society and Marwari Horse Stud Book Registration Society (MHSRS) of India said that all these six horses reached Bangladesh on September 29.

    “These horses have been ordered by Bangladesh police for the horse carriage of the President of Bangladesh,” Nathawat said.

    All six horses belong to Marwar Stud of Bal Samand Lake Palace, governed by the Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, and have been registered as a ‘Marwari horse’ with the MHSRS.

    “We kept striving to export Marwari Horses and succeeded in getting permission.

    The export would be on a case-to-case basis,” said Nathawat, terming the development an outcome of constant efforts of the erstwhile ruler of Jodhpur and the patron of the society, Gaj Singh.

    As a result of these endeavours, the animal husbandry department of the central government gave a no-objection certificate for the export of these horses, with an export licence provided by the Director General of Foreign Trade.

    Marwari horses are one of the finest breeds of horses and are considered the most elegant and enduring breed of all.

    “It is a matter of great pride for us that the Bangladesh government has imported our horse for the state carriage of the President,” Nathawat said, adding that similar demands of Marwari horses have been pouring in from the US, European, and Arabian countries.

    Over the past decade, the society in Jodhpur has been trying not only the promotion and conservation this breed of horse but has also been striving for their exports considering their love among foreign horse lovers and equestrians.

    Gajendra Pal Singh Posana, the joint secretary of the society said that there have been five meetings in the past 12-13 years to convince the ministry to allow the export of this breed.

    “There had been a demand of 40-50 such horses from Bangladesh but due to delay in sanction we could send only six horses after the last meeting with the minister Purushottam Rupala,” Posana said.

    He said that the Bangladesh Army was also in discussion with the society for the purchase of 20 Marwari horses, but due to a delay in permission, obtained 17 Arabian horses from the Qatar government.

    Marwari horses are known for their elegance, beauty, gait and other features, which many have said to be incomparable with any other horse breed on the earth.

    In 2009, Spanish businessman Mario Calcagno fell in love with the breed and tried hard to take them to Spain but failed.

    Undeterred by his failure to export, he bought two colts and four mares of this breed to be kept in the custody of the society at Balsamand Lake Palace in Jodhpur.

    Nathawat said that earlier there was no pedigree mapping for the Marwari horse breed, a lack which was filled by the opening of a stud book in 2006, under the helm of MSRS for mapping the breed’s pedigree.

    The move not only helped people have a list of purebred Marwari horses but also spread the word among foreign horse lovers who contributed to their conservation, Nathawat said.

    Mapping the breed history will pave way for more export for the Marwari breed as the inquiries have been pouring in from Germany, the US, UAE and other countries, he claimed.

    “European countries have some protocols regarding some equine diseases.

    But we are studying those protocols and are trying to resolve them so that those who want to import the horses of this breed could have them”, Nathawat said.

    The society, which has the authority to provide passports for export, has till now registered over 3,000 pure-breed Marwari horses since the process of registration began.

    Posana said that these collective efforts have paid off both in terms of a spurt in the number of the horse and their price in the market.

    The efforts are now being made by the society to urge the government to speed up the process of their export, he added.

    JODHPUR: Six Marwari horses have been exported from Jodhpur to Bangladesh where they will be used for carrying the cart of Bangladesh’s President, an official of the All India Marwari Horse Society said.

    This is for the first time that this indigenous breed of horse from the desert has been exported.

    Jangjeet Singh Nathawat, Secretary of the All India Marwari Horse Society and Marwari Horse Stud Book Registration Society (MHSRS) of India said that all these six horses reached Bangladesh on September 29.

    “These horses have been ordered by Bangladesh police for the horse carriage of the President of Bangladesh,” Nathawat said.

    All six horses belong to Marwar Stud of Bal Samand Lake Palace, governed by the Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, and have been registered as a ‘Marwari horse’ with the MHSRS.

    “We kept striving to export Marwari Horses and succeeded in getting permission.

    The export would be on a case-to-case basis,” said Nathawat, terming the development an outcome of constant efforts of the erstwhile ruler of Jodhpur and the patron of the society, Gaj Singh.

    As a result of these endeavours, the animal husbandry department of the central government gave a no-objection certificate for the export of these horses, with an export licence provided by the Director General of Foreign Trade.

    Marwari horses are one of the finest breeds of horses and are considered the most elegant and enduring breed of all.

    “It is a matter of great pride for us that the Bangladesh government has imported our horse for the state carriage of the President,” Nathawat said, adding that similar demands of Marwari horses have been pouring in from the US, European, and Arabian countries.

    Over the past decade, the society in Jodhpur has been trying not only the promotion and conservation this breed of horse but has also been striving for their exports considering their love among foreign horse lovers and equestrians.

    Gajendra Pal Singh Posana, the joint secretary of the society said that there have been five meetings in the past 12-13 years to convince the ministry to allow the export of this breed.

    “There had been a demand of 40-50 such horses from Bangladesh but due to delay in sanction we could send only six horses after the last meeting with the minister Purushottam Rupala,” Posana said.

    He said that the Bangladesh Army was also in discussion with the society for the purchase of 20 Marwari horses, but due to a delay in permission, obtained 17 Arabian horses from the Qatar government.

    Marwari horses are known for their elegance, beauty, gait and other features, which many have said to be incomparable with any other horse breed on the earth.

    In 2009, Spanish businessman Mario Calcagno fell in love with the breed and tried hard to take them to Spain but failed.

    Undeterred by his failure to export, he bought two colts and four mares of this breed to be kept in the custody of the society at Balsamand Lake Palace in Jodhpur.

    Nathawat said that earlier there was no pedigree mapping for the Marwari horse breed, a lack which was filled by the opening of a stud book in 2006, under the helm of MSRS for mapping the breed’s pedigree.

    The move not only helped people have a list of purebred Marwari horses but also spread the word among foreign horse lovers who contributed to their conservation, Nathawat said.

    Mapping the breed history will pave way for more export for the Marwari breed as the inquiries have been pouring in from Germany, the US, UAE and other countries, he claimed.

    “European countries have some protocols regarding some equine diseases.

    But we are studying those protocols and are trying to resolve them so that those who want to import the horses of this breed could have them”, Nathawat said.

    The society, which has the authority to provide passports for export, has till now registered over 3,000 pure-breed Marwari horses since the process of registration began.

    Posana said that these collective efforts have paid off both in terms of a spurt in the number of the horse and their price in the market.

    The efforts are now being made by the society to urge the government to speed up the process of their export, he added.

  • Cyclone Sitrang: Meghalaya on high alert, schools ordered shut in four districts

    By PTI

    SHILLONG: Disaster Management Authorities in Meghalaya have been kept on high alert as Cyclone Sitrang is likely to bring heavy rain in many parts of the state, officials said on Sunday.

    In at least four districts bordering Bangladesh, the administration directed the authorities to keep all educational institutes shut on Tuesday in view of the cyclone.

    The districts are East and West Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills.

    Other districts were directed to keep all field officers alert at all times, monitor the situation and report in case of emergency, the officials said.

    The IMD forecast is generally cloudy sky with continuous rain in many parts of Meghalaya on Tuesday.

    The National Highway Authority of India has been directed to keep its manpower and machines ready for any emergency requirement in any part of the state, a senior official of the state disaster management authority said.

    The entire northeastern state experienced light to moderate rainfall throughout Monday causing minor disruption of power supplies.

    According to IMD, the cyclone is likely to cross the Bangladesh coast between Tinkona island and Sandwip near Barisal early on Tuesday.

    SHILLONG: Disaster Management Authorities in Meghalaya have been kept on high alert as Cyclone Sitrang is likely to bring heavy rain in many parts of the state, officials said on Sunday.

    In at least four districts bordering Bangladesh, the administration directed the authorities to keep all educational institutes shut on Tuesday in view of the cyclone.

    The districts are East and West Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills.

    Other districts were directed to keep all field officers alert at all times, monitor the situation and report in case of emergency, the officials said.

    The IMD forecast is generally cloudy sky with continuous rain in many parts of Meghalaya on Tuesday.

    The National Highway Authority of India has been directed to keep its manpower and machines ready for any emergency requirement in any part of the state, a senior official of the state disaster management authority said.

    The entire northeastern state experienced light to moderate rainfall throughout Monday causing minor disruption of power supplies.

    According to IMD, the cyclone is likely to cross the Bangladesh coast between Tinkona island and Sandwip near Barisal early on Tuesday.

  • Tripura being used as corridor for drug trafficking, says CM Manik Saha

    By PTI

    AGARTALA: Asserting that the Centre is focused on checking drug menace, Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday revealed that Tripura is being used as a corridor for trafficking narcotics to Bangladesh from Myanmar.

    Briefing reporters, following a high-level meeting on narcotics smuggling and national security in Guwahati last week, the CM said measures would be taken to increase surveillance along the state’s borders.

    “Narcotics are being sent to Bangladesh from Myanmar via Tripura’s border with Assam and Mizoram, despite all-out effort to stop drug smuggling,” he said.

    The high-level meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was attended by chief ministers, chief secretaries and DGPs of northeastern states.

    “This is for the first time, the Union home minister held a meeting on drug trafficking with chief ministers and DGPs of the northeast. He made it clear that the country will not allow its soil to be used for narcotics smuggling,” the CM maintained.

    Highlighting Tripura’s effort to make the state drug-free since 2018, Saha said his government has made highest drug seizures, including heroin, brown sugar, ganja and yaba tablets.

    A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to probe 19 cases registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, he said.

    Emphasising the need for regular interaction with the SPs of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, the chief minister made some specific proposals to curb the flow of drugs in the region.

    “Since Bangladesh is the destination, we need to hold talks with the law enforcement agencies of the neighbouring country. Besides, border vigil should be strengthened further,” he said, adding that an office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), if set up in Tripura, could help the cause.

    Saha sought financial aid from the Centre to use drone technology in inaccessible terrains.

    “We will seek funds from the central government to boost surveillance measures across the border,” he added.

    AGARTALA: Asserting that the Centre is focused on checking drug menace, Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday revealed that Tripura is being used as a corridor for trafficking narcotics to Bangladesh from Myanmar.

    Briefing reporters, following a high-level meeting on narcotics smuggling and national security in Guwahati last week, the CM said measures would be taken to increase surveillance along the state’s borders.

    “Narcotics are being sent to Bangladesh from Myanmar via Tripura’s border with Assam and Mizoram, despite all-out effort to stop drug smuggling,” he said.

    The high-level meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was attended by chief ministers, chief secretaries and DGPs of northeastern states.

    “This is for the first time, the Union home minister held a meeting on drug trafficking with chief ministers and DGPs of the northeast. He made it clear that the country will not allow its soil to be used for narcotics smuggling,” the CM maintained.

    Highlighting Tripura’s effort to make the state drug-free since 2018, Saha said his government has made highest drug seizures, including heroin, brown sugar, ganja and yaba tablets.

    A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to probe 19 cases registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, he said.

    Emphasising the need for regular interaction with the SPs of Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, the chief minister made some specific proposals to curb the flow of drugs in the region.

    “Since Bangladesh is the destination, we need to hold talks with the law enforcement agencies of the neighbouring country. Besides, border vigil should be strengthened further,” he said, adding that an office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), if set up in Tripura, could help the cause.

    Saha sought financial aid from the Centre to use drone technology in inaccessible terrains.

    “We will seek funds from the central government to boost surveillance measures across the border,” he added.

  • Sachin Dev Burman’s home in Bangladesh set to be converted into cultural complex

    By PTI

    CUMILLA: Legendary musician and composer Sachin Dev Burman’s palatial home in Cumilla district of Bangladesh is all set to be transformed into a cultural complex, with the Sheikh Hasina government having sanctioned Taka 1.10 crore (Rs 86 lakh) for the project.

    Dev Burman, born in 1906, spent the first 18 years of his life in this South Chartha village rajbari (palace) in Cumilla, said Golam Faruk, an advocate and a prolific writer who edited a 596-page book on the musician.

    “His musical talent was honed under the supervision of his father, who was a sitarist. Dev Burman completed his schooling from Cumilla Zilla School and graduated from Victoria Government College in 1924,” Faruk, also a historian, said.

    His father, a descendant of Tripura royal family, had moved to Cumilla to look after the princely estates.

    The palace, where the music maestro was born and raised, was listed as a protected monument on Nov 30, 2017, officials in Bangladesh said.

    Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had visited Agartala to attend the convocation of Tripura University in 2012 and assured a delegation of writers and cultural activists there that the house would be preserved and converted into a cultural centre and museum, the officials said.

    In May 2017, Hasina had visited Cumilla to attend the 116th birth anniversary of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, and laid the foundation stones of seven projects, one of which was for the ‘Sachin Dev Burman Cultural Complex’, they said.

    Faruk pointed out that the palace was built on seven acres of land, but a major part of it was encroached upon, over the years, as it lay abandoned.

    “Cumilla MP AKM Bahauddin Bahar, however, was able to vacate the land to a considerable extent with the help of the district administration,” he told PTI.

    The MP, when approached, underlined that the government sanctioned Taka 1.10 crore for building the complex.

    The district collector of Cumilla, Md Kamrul Hasan, said the administration was waiting to hand over the house to the archaeology department, have completed all repair work.

    “The restoration work was completed long ago. Since the site is yet to be taken over by the archaeology department, the district administration is still looking after it. Two staff members of the district administration and the archaeology department are currently taking care of the house,” he told PTI.

    Faruk, also a ‘mukti joddha’ (freedom fighter), said, “Many geniuses, including renowned Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, had visited Dev Burman’s house and played music with him.”

    An official said on the condition of anonymity that the abandoned house was used as a military warehouse during the Pakistan regime.

    After the warehouse was removed, part of the house was converted into a poultry farm, and since then, the place was known as ‘Cumilla poultry farm’, he said.

    “Former cultural affairs minister and theatre personality Asaduzzaman Nur had earlier announced that a complex would be built around the house with a floating stage in the pond. A music library was also part of the plan. The poultry farm will have to be done away with,” he added.

    Dev Burman, popularly known as ‘sachin karta’, lived in Cumilla until 1924, said Faruk.

    “He left for Kolkata that year to pursue higher education and then later to Mumbai in 1944. Those of the Dev Burman family, who lived in the Cumilla house, migrated to India after 1947,” Faruk added.

    Dev Burman’s first major breakthrough in Mumbai came in 1947 with ‘Do Bhai’.

    He went on to compose music for several epic Hindi films including ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Kagaaz ke Phool’, ‘Guide’, ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Mili’.

    He also sang songs in semi-classical and folk styles of Bengal.

    The maestro was conferred Padma Shri in 1969 for his contribution to music.

    CUMILLA: Legendary musician and composer Sachin Dev Burman’s palatial home in Cumilla district of Bangladesh is all set to be transformed into a cultural complex, with the Sheikh Hasina government having sanctioned Taka 1.10 crore (Rs 86 lakh) for the project.

    Dev Burman, born in 1906, spent the first 18 years of his life in this South Chartha village rajbari (palace) in Cumilla, said Golam Faruk, an advocate and a prolific writer who edited a 596-page book on the musician.

    “His musical talent was honed under the supervision of his father, who was a sitarist. Dev Burman completed his schooling from Cumilla Zilla School and graduated from Victoria Government College in 1924,” Faruk, also a historian, said.

    His father, a descendant of Tripura royal family, had moved to Cumilla to look after the princely estates.

    The palace, where the music maestro was born and raised, was listed as a protected monument on Nov 30, 2017, officials in Bangladesh said.

    Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had visited Agartala to attend the convocation of Tripura University in 2012 and assured a delegation of writers and cultural activists there that the house would be preserved and converted into a cultural centre and museum, the officials said.

    In May 2017, Hasina had visited Cumilla to attend the 116th birth anniversary of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, and laid the foundation stones of seven projects, one of which was for the ‘Sachin Dev Burman Cultural Complex’, they said.

    Faruk pointed out that the palace was built on seven acres of land, but a major part of it was encroached upon, over the years, as it lay abandoned.

    “Cumilla MP AKM Bahauddin Bahar, however, was able to vacate the land to a considerable extent with the help of the district administration,” he told PTI.

    The MP, when approached, underlined that the government sanctioned Taka 1.10 crore for building the complex.

    The district collector of Cumilla, Md Kamrul Hasan, said the administration was waiting to hand over the house to the archaeology department, have completed all repair work.

    “The restoration work was completed long ago. Since the site is yet to be taken over by the archaeology department, the district administration is still looking after it. Two staff members of the district administration and the archaeology department are currently taking care of the house,” he told PTI.

    Faruk, also a ‘mukti joddha’ (freedom fighter), said, “Many geniuses, including renowned Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, had visited Dev Burman’s house and played music with him.”

    An official said on the condition of anonymity that the abandoned house was used as a military warehouse during the Pakistan regime.

    After the warehouse was removed, part of the house was converted into a poultry farm, and since then, the place was known as ‘Cumilla poultry farm’, he said.

    “Former cultural affairs minister and theatre personality Asaduzzaman Nur had earlier announced that a complex would be built around the house with a floating stage in the pond. A music library was also part of the plan. The poultry farm will have to be done away with,” he added.

    Dev Burman, popularly known as ‘sachin karta’, lived in Cumilla until 1924, said Faruk.

    “He left for Kolkata that year to pursue higher education and then later to Mumbai in 1944. Those of the Dev Burman family, who lived in the Cumilla house, migrated to India after 1947,” Faruk added.

    Dev Burman’s first major breakthrough in Mumbai came in 1947 with ‘Do Bhai’.

    He went on to compose music for several epic Hindi films including ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Kagaaz ke Phool’, ‘Guide’, ‘Abhimaan’ and ‘Mili’.

    He also sang songs in semi-classical and folk styles of Bengal.

    The maestro was conferred Padma Shri in 1969 for his contribution to music.