National
EC Sets Jan 7, for 12th Parliamentary Election
The Election Commission (EC) has officially slated January 7, 2024, for the 12th parliamentary election in Bangladesh. Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal made the announcement, revealing that voting would occur in 300 constituencies nationwide. Nomination papers are due by November 30, with scrutiny taking place from December 1 to 4. Candidates can withdraw until December 17, and appeals on decisions can be made from December 6 to 15. Election symbols will be distributed on December 18, marking the start of the campaigning period until 8 am on January 5.
CEC Awal highlighted the EC’s efforts to streamline the electoral process, introducing online nomination submissions through two new apps. The commission has already appointed 66 Returning Officers (ROs) and 592 Assistant Returning Officers (AROs). Awal emphasized the importance of transparency, ease, and fairness in the electoral procedures.
Stressing the constitutional mandate to hold elections within 90 days before the parliament’s term ends, Awal detailed the extensive dialogue and engagement the EC had with political parties, intellectuals, and civil society. Despite invitations, some parties declined to participate in the discussions.
The CEC urged adherence to the electoral code of conduct, emphasizing the role of political parties, officials, and law enforcement agencies in ensuring fair, free, and impartial elections. Security measures to prevent fraud and maintain order were emphasized.
With preparations almost complete, including an updated voter list and constituency demarcation, Awal called on the media and election observers for cooperation. He stressed the media’s role in ensuring visibility and transparency in the electoral process.
In concluding remarks, CEC Awal expressed confidence that the 12th JS elections would be free, impartial, participatory, and peaceful with the collective effort and responsible behavior of all stakeholders. He appealed for sincere participation and cooperation from political parties, candidates, and the public in this democratic exercise.
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.
