Varied plans of couple in new year

Take some time to reflect on the highlights and challenges of the past year.

Starting the new year with planning is a fantastic way for couples to set goals, strengthen their relationship, and look forward to shared experiences. Here are some ideas for couples to plan together as they enter the new year:

Reflect on the Past Year:

Take some time to reflect on the highlights and challenges of the past year. Discuss what youve learned individually and as a couple.

Set Relationship Goals:

Establish goals that focus on your relationship. This could include improving communication, spending more quality time together, or planning special dates.

Individual Goals:

Share personal goals with each other. These could be related to career, health, personal development, or any other areas of life. Support each other in achieving these goals.

Travel Plans:

Discuss and plan any travel or vacation goals for the upcoming year. This could be a romantic getaway, a weekend retreat, or a dream vacation.

Financial Planning:

Collaborate on financial goals and budgets for the year. This might include saving for a specific purpose, planning for investments, or managing expenses more effectively.

Home Projects:

Plan any home improvements or projects youd like to undertake together. This could be redecorating a room, starting a garden, or organizing your living space.

Health and Wellness:

Set health and fitness goals together. This might involve creating a workout routine, planning healthier meals, or encouraging each other to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Hobbies and Shared Interests:

Explore new hobbies or revisit existing shared interests. Planning activities you both enjoy can strengthen your bond and provide opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Date Nights:

Schedule regular date nights throughout the year. This helps maintain the romance and connection in your relationship.

Communication Strategies:

Discuss how you can improve communication in your relationship. Consider setting aside time for open and honest conversations regularly.

Celebrate Milestones:

Identify upcoming milestones, whether they are personal or relationship-related, and plan to celebrate them together.

Learning and Growing Together:

Plan to attend workshops, classes, or events together. This could be anything from a cooking class to a relationship seminar.

Volunteer or Give Back:

Explore opportunities to volunteer or give back to the community together. Sharing such experiences can be fulfilling and bring you closer.14. Digital Detox:

Consider a digital detox plan, where you spend quality time together without the distraction of electronic devices.

Regular Check-Ins:

Schedule regular check-ins to discuss how your plans and goals are progressing. This ensures that you stay connected and on track throughout the year.

Starting the new year with intentional planning can set a positive tone and provide a roadmap for growth and happiness in your relationship. Remember, flexibility is key, and being supportive of each others aspirations is vital for a successful journey together.

Acute gas crisis hits Chattogram city residents hard

UNB, Chattogram 

Different areas in Chattogram city have been experiencing shortage or low pressure in gas supply for the past one and a half months,  hampering the household chores and production at industrial units.

City dwellers said although the gas crisis started in the mid October, it has intensified recently. Some of them alleged that they do not get any gas even in 24 hours.

According to Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL), the gas shortage in Chattogram port city turned acute due to suspension of gas supply from one of the two LNG terminals in Moheshkhali.

Besides, the authorities also suspended gas supply in households due to maintenance purposes.

KGDCL authorities said Chattogram used to some 310-400 million cubic feet of gas from the national grid during normal time but on January 3 it reveived  only 280 million cubic feet.

The city dwellers have been experiencing the gas crisis since October 22 and gas supply remains suspended from 9 am to 3 pm in most of the areas.

KGDCL authorities said the gas shortage may continue for a long time due to low pressure of gas supply from Moheshkhali LNG gas terminal.

Meanwhile, Omar Hazzaz, president, Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI), urged State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid to take necessary steps to mitigate the sufferings of the consumers.

He also sent a letter to the minister on Wednesday.

“Chattogram needs 400-450 million cubic feet of gas but only 280 million cubic feet is available now. Of the total gas, nearly 100 million cubic feet gas is used in two fertilizer factories and one thermal power plant while the rest are being distributed to the residents, industries and CNG filling stations, which is not sufficient,” the letter reads.

The rest of the gas is being distributed to a large number of residential consumers in the city, factories and CNG stations using various strategic methods. As a result, the factories and households are facing a serious gas crisis, it added. 

Managing director of KGDCL (operation division), Engineer Aminur Rahman, said the people of Chattogram port city depend on LNG gas supply and the supply of gas has reduced remarkably.

“It is difficult to say how long the crisis will stay,” he added.

Talking to some residents in Lalkhan Bazar, Kazir Dewri, Askar DighirPar, Khulshi, Jamal Khan lane, Dewanji Pukur Par, Dewan Bazar, Hem Sen Lane, Shulokbohor, Ghat Farhadbegh, Bakolia, Chawkbazar and others area, this UNB correspondent found that people of those areas are passing their days in misery during this winter.

Many residents of the areas said it is not new. Every year they experience gas crisis from November to February.

Shahnur Sultana, an employee of a bank, said “Now I have to leave my house in the morning without having any breakfast as there is no gas in my house in the morning. We have to buy food from a local hotel.”

KGDCL authorities said the gas supply to the domestic consumers has been disrupted as they have to supply gas to Chattogram Urea Fertilizer Limited (CUFL) and Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KFCL).

Raid Uddin Ahmed, General Manager (Marketing, South Division) of KGDCL, said two Moheshkhali LNG terminals supply a total of 800-900 million cubic feet of gas to the national grid but now supply from one of them has been suspended due to maintenance work.

The supply situation will improve after the completion of the maintenance work, he added.

There are 6,01,914 consumers under KGDCL and of these, 5,97,516 connections are given to households.

Mother, daughter among 3 dead in boiler explosion at Thakurgaon rice mill

Thakurgaon, Jan 4 (UNB) -Three people, including a 40-year-old woman and her 11-year-old daughter, were dead and two people were injured when a boiler exploded at a rice mill in Daspara of Thakurgaon's Sadar upazila earlier today.

The deceased were identified as Dipti Rani, wife of Sagar Roy, her daughter Puja, and Palak, 12, son of Umakanta, of the area.

ABM Firoz Wahid, officer-in-charge of Thakurgaon Police Station, said the incident occurred at 9:15 am when the boiler of the rice mill, owned by one Saidur Rahman, exploded.

A fire also broke out at the rice mill following the explosion. A firefighting unit rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze immediately. The injured were taken to Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital.