'The place feels very much of my own'



Ashraful Islam, Planning Editor & Ishtiaq Hussein, Special Correspondent, Barta24.com
photo: Barta24

photo: Barta24

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Recently, a delegation of 66 members led by the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya province of India recently visited Dhaka. The delegation, which came to Dhaka to attend the unveiling of the sculpture of Khasia Hero U Tirat Singh, a highly revered freedom fighter by the people of Meghalaya and East India, visited the Nazimuddin Road Jail in Old Dhaka, where Tirat Singh was once imprisoned.

Later, the delegation also visited Ahsan Manzil Museum in Dhaka. In an exclusive interview given to Barta24.com at Ahsan Manzil premises, the head of the delegation, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Sniavalong Dhar spoke about the development of bilateral relations including tourism, business and trade expansion. In the interview, he also highlighted his provincial government's interest in increasing Meghalaya's civic engagement with Bangladesh, noting that the place "feels very much its own".

Planning Editor Ashraful Islam and Special Correspondent Ishtiaq Hussain took this interview of Sniavlong on Ripon Raza’s Camera.

Barta24.com: Now we want to know about the visit of this delegation of Meghalaya government to Bangladesh...

Sniavalong Dhar: Our visit to Bangladesh this time is of special importance for the people of Meghalaya for many reasons. We are very happy and proud to pay our respects to our great freedom fighter 'Khasia Hero' U Tirat Singh who died in captivity in Dhaka during the colonial British rule. This visit touched the emotions of our people. On behalf of the people of Meghalaya and India, we express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka for extending us a warm welcome.

Barta24.com: Bangladesh has a land border with Meghalaya. Meghalaya is the Indian state closest to the capital Dhaka. How can we use this opportunity in business and tourism?

Sniavalong Dhar: There is undoubtedly a strong bond between Bangladesh and Meghalaya. Especially in business we have a lot of import and export going on. As you know, many Bangladeshis go to Meghalaya. We always welcome the people of this country to Meghalaya. Again our people come here. We want tourism policies to make this travel easier; So that the people of both countries benefit. As part of this, we are now discussing many issues between Meghalaya and Bangladesh because Bangladeshi businessmen are expanding their business in Meghalaya. We want to know how to strengthen this business relationship.

Barta24.com: Can cultural heritage and spirit of freedom struggle improve this relationship?

Sniavalong Dhar: We have similar traditions in many respects. There is a deep connection between Bangladesh and Meghalaya in the light of cultural and history of freedom struggle. We want to build on this tradition. Our visit to see Khasia Hero Tirat Singh's memories of Dhaka is part of that. Along with that we are planning to exchange cultural programs.

Barta24.com: How do you see the role of media workers in increasing the harmony of the people of Bangladesh-Meghalaya...

Sniavalong Dhar: Mass media can play an important role in enhancing mutual communication between people of neighboring countries. You will notice that the public is getting to know the news of Tirat Singh's memorial unveiling in Dhaka only through the media. I myself think, in the development of bilateral relations; In particular, it is important to continue the role of the media in deepening citizen relations.

Barta24.com: How do you feel now after visiting Bangladesh?

Sniavalong Dhar: Every time I come to Bangladesh this place feels very much like my own. Bangladesh's continued progress makes us extremely happy. I and my delegation have been given high regards in all the programs I have attended here. We are very fortunate. Thank you very much to the people of this country and everyone concerned.

Three doctors are absent for a long time causing sufferings to the patients



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Barta24.com

Pic: Barta24.com

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The government has taken various initiatives to ensure the presence of doctors and officials in government hospitals. However, a different picture is seen in Barishal's 50- bed Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex. Three doctors of the hospital have been absent for a long time. As a result, patients have to suffer due to lack of proper healthcare.

Allegedly, medical services at the hospital have come to a standstill due to lack of strict supervision. Therefore, many patients are forced to seek treatment in private hospitals.

According to hospital sources, Dr. Abu Bakar Siddique joined Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex as Medical Officer on July 1, 2011. He has been absent since January 4, 2012 after staying at the hospital for just five months. Similarly, Dr. Soma Halder joined the health complex on October 8, 2014. She has also been absent since November 5, 2015, after serving for one year.

Sources also said that Dr. Shahana Rahman joined the hospital on November 25, 2023. She has not been coming to the hospital for the past 8 months.

Although the three mentioned doctors are absent for a long time, no appointments are being made in their place. As a result, patient services are constantly disrupted. Besides, the hospital authorities are also in trouble.

A responsible source of the hospital, on condition of anonymity, said that this alarming situation has arisen due to the non-punishment of those who are negligent in fulfilling their duties. Also there is a lack of strong supervision.

Upazila Health Officer Dr. Bakhtiar Al Mamun said that Dr. Abu Bakr Siddiq and Dr. Soma Halder have been given letters to join the workplace several times. But they are still not back to work. A departmental case is ongoing against them. In addition, Dr. Shahana Rahman has been given several letters to join the work. The Civil Surgeon's office has also been informed about the matter.

He also said that the information of doctors is sent to higher authorities and ministries every month. As such, the ministry is aware of the matter. According to the latest information, one doctor may be out of a job. Of the remaining two, one is abroad, the other I don't know where. Regarding the appointment of doctors, he said, appointment is not possible until the posts are vacant. As a result, it will take time to find a new doctor.

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Three coordinators in DB for interrogation



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

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Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken three people, including Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, into custody from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital. The other two coordinators are Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumdar.

A DB source confirmed this information on Friday (July 26) night.

DB said three coordinators have been brought to the DB office for security and interrogation purposes.

All three of them are students of Dhaka University.

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What the Home Minister said about lifting of the curfew



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

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Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, everyone has to wait a little with the curfew till public life becomes normal. We are looking at whether the curfew can be relaxed.

He said these things while talking to reporters about the ongoing situation on Friday (July 26) night.

The Home Minister said, we are seeing if the curfew can be relaxed. Police BGB, Army are working. We have to wait a little until public life becomes normal. People should be patient. He also said that a decision may be made subject to discussion on Saturday (July 27).

At that time, he mentioned that there were brutal killings in the name of the movement, and he said, who will take responsibility for this loss of the country? BNP said they are not involved in violence. So who did it? It is a question of the people.

Regarding the arrest of the quota activists, the Home Minister said that the quota agitator leaders themselves are suffering from insecurity. For their safety, law enforcement has been called. Further action will be taken after the inquiry.

Incidentally, the government clamped a curfew from 12 midnight on July 19 to keep the situation normal around the quota reform movement. The army was also deployed.

The curfew was later relaxed for a specified period but has not yet been lifted completely.

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Government to provide treatment & income to all injured: Prime Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the government will provide treatment and income to all those injured in the recent violence, regardless of party affiliation.

She said this while visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday (July 26). Meanwhile, she inquired about the physical condition of the injured.

Sheikh Hasina said that the government will do whatever is necessary for the treatment of those injured in the violence. The government will take responsibility for the treatment of the injured, whichever party they belong to.

She also said, even after accepting all the demands on the quota, why is the movement not ending? Everyone at home and abroad should be vocal against the violence and brutality of BNP-Jamaat.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister visited several wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and inquired about the injured. She talked to doctors and nurses. She ordered to give all kinds of treatment to the injured.

Earlier in the morning, the head of government visited the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building damaged by vandals' attack and fire at Rampura in the capital.

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