Economy
10 dead bodies found from fishing trawler in Cox’s Bazar
The bodies of 10 fishermen were found on a trawler floating off Nazirertek Beach in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday (23rd April).
The bodies are yet to be identified.
Sources said a unit of Fire Service and Civil Defence rushed to the spot and recovered the 11 half-decomposed bodies.
Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Zakaria also confirmed the matter.
According to local fishermen, a few days ago a group of robbers attacked the trawler, looting and killing the fishermen onboard, before putting them inside the trawler’s deck and making a hole in it.
Cox’s Bazar Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rafiqul Islam said: “We went to the spot after receiving the information and recovered the fishing trawler.”
The trawler has not yet been brought to shore due to high tide, he said at the time.
The OC also said that the bodies inside the trawler were decomposed. It is believed that the trawler was attacked by robbers at least 10 to 12 days ago.
Locals said that the fishing trawler went to sea for fishing at least 15 to 16 days ago.
Chinese exports rebounded in November, breaking a seven-month streak of decline, as reported by the General Administration of Customs (GAC). Overseas shipments registered a 0.5 percent year-on-year increase, reaching $291 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of a 0.3 percent contraction.
This positive development comes amid China’s ongoing efforts to navigate a challenging recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the improved export figures, imports experienced a 0.6 percent contraction, highlighting persisting economic challenges.
China’s economy expanded by 4.9 percent in the third quarter, slightly below the government’s five percent target. Challenges include weak global demand, a debt-fueled property crisis, and subdued consumption.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, expressed the United States’ commitment to strengthening collaboration with the private sector and various stakeholders in Bangladesh to promote internationally recognized labor rights, particularly in the Readymade Garment (RMG) industry. Speaking at the Bangladesh Cotton Day 2023, Ambassador Haas emphasized the recent minimum wage review in the RMG sector as evidence of the necessity for an objective, inclusive, and evidence-based National Wage Policy. He highlighted the importance of robust labor laws and their effective implementation, considering them crucial for the bilateral relationship, sustainable development, and creating a stable environment for US companies in Bangladesh.
In addressing the RMG sector, Ambassador Haas underscored the US mission’s dedication to achieving sustainable and broadly shared prosperity through enhanced labor standards. Recognizing labor rights as integral to the continued growth of Bangladesh’s RMG sector, he referenced the US Secretary of State’s announcement of a new global labor strategy, emphasizing increased engagement with various stakeholders to promote and protect the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
During the event, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan sought Ambassador Haas’s assistance in conveying the industry’s efforts and concerns to the US administration.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed optimism about the recently signed concession agreement between the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) for the operation of the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT).
The agreement, observed by the Prime Minister and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih, is viewed as a significant step to enhance Saudi investment in Bangladesh and foster economic cooperation between the two nations.
The concession agreement stipulates that RSGT will manage the Patenga Container Terminal for the next 22 years, providing a strategic boost to bilateral relations, particularly in the realms of trade and commerce. Prime Minister Hasina underscored the crucial role the terminal would play in enhancing port capacity, facilitating smoother trade processes, and generating job opportunities within Bangladesh.
In her remarks at the signing ceremony, Sheikh Hasina envisioned the Patenga Container Terminal as a gateway to global trade, offering new opportunities for businesses in Bangladesh to connect with the world. She emphasized the self-reliant nature of the modern terminal, anticipating its positive impact on the country’s economic uplift.
Moreover, Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the potential regional significance of the terminal, pointing out that India, Bhutan, and Nepal could also utilize its facilities, thereby boosting economic growth in the broader South Asian region. This aspect aligns with the terminal’s role as a catalyst for regional economic development.
Expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s investment, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of the partnership, describing Saudi Arabia as a friendly nation and a vital development partner for Bangladesh. She recognized the reputation of RSGT as a globally reputed terminal operator designated by the Saudi government, contributing valuable expertise to the Patenga Container Terminal Project.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister viewed the concession agreement as a testament to the joint vision and steadfast commitment to economic cooperation and prosperity shared by Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
