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.
National
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, a distinguished academic from the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka, has been appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh (NUB). The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment through an official notification issued on Sunday (23 November), signed by Sultan Ahmed, Assistant Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, on behalf of the President.
The notice states that, with the approval of the Honorable President and Chancellor, Professor Rahman will serve a four-year term as Vice-Chancellor under Section 31(1) of the Private University Act, 2010. He will receive all salary, allowances, and benefits as determined by the university, and his duties will commence immediately in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Professor Rahman has an outstanding academic background. He secured First Class First in his Honors degree from the University of Dhaka’s Marketing Department, achieving record-breaking marks. He completed his MBA with dual majors in Finance and Marketing at Dalhousie University in Canada, graduating in the top 1% of his class. He later earned his Master’s degree (First Class Second) and PhD from the same department at the University of Dhaka.
During his illustrious 35-year career, he has served as Chairman of the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka for three years and was elected to both the Syndicate and Senate of the university. He also served as Dean at Daffodil International University and has taught as an adjunct professor at North South University, BRAC University, and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Professor Rahman has an extensive body of research, with over 35 publications, including four international papers and three research monographs. Several MPhil and PhD scholars have completed their degrees under his supervision. He also served for many years as Vice President of the Dhaka University Marketing Alumni Association.
Outside academia, he has contributed significantly to the corporate sector and educational governance. He has worked as an independent director and strategic adviser to various reputed organizations and has served on the governing bodies of several well-known colleges in Dhaka. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the North South Society.
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.
