National
DNCC Mayor Endorses World Resources Institute’s Four Books
The Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) endorsed four books on July 9, published by the World Resources Institute (WRI) to serve as references for creating a safe and sustainable Dhaka. The endorsement came after a capacity-building workshop called the “Collaborative Design Learning Workshop” organized by WRI under Bloomberg’s Initiative for Global Road Safety for engineers of DNCC.
DNCC joined Bloomberg’s Initiative for Global Road Safety in 2021 to enhance safety, inclusivity, and accessibility on its streets. As a program partner, WRI is committed to supporting DNCC by sharing knowledge and technical expertise.
Traditionally, streets primarily cater to high-speed vehicle traffic, often neglecting the needs of other road users and posing safety risks. Intersections are crucial areas for road safety, especially for pedestrians who are highly vulnerable. Proper intersection design is essential for an efficient and safer mobility system.
To improve understanding of intersections, WRI conducted the “Collaborative Design Learning Workshop,” introducing participants to the context, significance, and design process of intersections. The workshop also explored tools for testing temporary designs before permanent implementation. It included lectures and group activities to facilitate observation, analysis, and design processes.
The workshop commenced with welcoming remarks from Md. Abdul Wadud, the coordinator of the BIGRS initiative, followed by a speech by the chief guest, Chief Executive Officer of DNCC, Md Selim Reza, and a welcome address by chief engineer Brigadier General Muhammad Amirul Islam, PSC. The Chief Executive Officer inaugurated the workshop. WRI’s representatives presented on various topics, including the context of Dhaka, safe urban mobility, the role of intersections, and intersection design and testing. The engineers actively participated in discussions and contributed ideas for redesigning the ‘Abul Hotel Intersection, Malibag.’
At the workshop’s conclusion, participants received certificates from the BIGRS initiative coordinator, Md. Abdul Wadud, and Suganthi Narayanasamy, the Program Officer of Public Health Program-Road Safety at Vital Strategies. Subsequently, the team met with the Mayor, who discussed ensuring pedestrian safety, reducing road crashes, and the new initiative of promoting green practices throughout the year. The program concluded with the mayor’s endorsement of four books that focus on sustainable and safe cities, creating bicycle lanes, and establishing bus priority corridors.
Both partners, DNCC and WRI, are committed to implementing impactful changes in Dhaka North by designing safer streets and promoting sustainable urban development.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
