National
PM Sheikh Hasina Inaugurates Cox’s Bazar Rail Line, Paves the Way for Nationwide Connectivity
In a significant development, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced the government’s commitment to establish rail connectivity between Cox’s Bazar and various regions of Bangladesh. The prime minister expressed this commitment while inaugurating the rail line and the newly constructed Cox’s Bazar Railway Station. She emphasized the aim of facilitating seamless travel from Cox’s Bazar to Panchagar, Rajshahi, the southern part of the country, and even Sundarbans. Sheikh Hasina humorously remarked that the goal is to connect the entire nation, leaving no region untouched by railway connectivity.
During the inaugural ceremony of the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar Rail Line, the prime minister fulfilled a longstanding demand of the region. Sheikh Hasina highlighted the potential economic benefits of the new rail track, envisioning positive impacts on tourism, industrialization, business, and trade. She assured that her government is actively working on initiatives to enhance the country’s rail service, speed, and transportation, with a commitment to achieving world-class standards within the next two to three years.
Sheikh Hasina’s pride in the aesthetic beauty and facilities of the newly constructed six-storey Cox’s Bazar Railway Station was evident. She urged the public to maintain cleanliness in the station and on the rail tracks. The inauguration of the 102km Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar Rail Line, costing Taka 18034.47 crore, marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s railway connectivity.
Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took a train ride from Cox’s Bazar to Ramu, symbolizing the operational commencement of the rail line. The intercity train on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route is scheduled to begin operations on December 1, contributing to the government’s efforts to provide efficient and affordable transportation.
Notably, the Cox’s Bazar Railway Station’s inauguration comes 133 years after the initial attempt during the British period to connect this prominent tourist destination with the railway network. The prime minister emphasized the inclusive development initiatives undertaken by her government and extended pleasantries to fellow passengers during the train journey.
Railways Minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan, ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting, and Railways Ministry Secretary Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir also spoke at the inaugural function, highlighting the strategic importance of the rail project. The prime minister cautioned against destructive activities and arson violence, asserting that her government would not tolerate such actions.
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.
