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 issued forecasts of rain or thundershowers for Dhaka, Rangpur, and five other divisions, commencing from 9 am today and extending over the next 24 hours. This weather forecast encompasses Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions, where accompanying gusty or squally winds are anticipated during the rainfall. Additionally, Chattogram division is expected to experience some activity, albeit in fewer places, with the potential for hail in isolated areas.
The BMD bulletin highlights that various areas within these seven divisions may witness significant thunderstorm activity, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, with isolated occurrences of hail.
Temperature levels across the nation are projected to remain consistent, both during daytime and at night. Over the past 24-hour period, Rajshahi recorded the highest temperature in the country at 34.7 degrees Celsius, while Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, experienced the lowest temperature at 21.2 degrees Celsius.
Dhaka witnessed the most substantial rainfall, measuring up to 87mm. Residents in the affected divisions are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions and stay informed about further forecasts from the BMD.
The Jashore Education Board has achieved the highest pass rate of 92.32% among the nine boards in the 2024 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination, according to official data.
Conversely, Sylhet remained at the bottom with a pass rate of 73.35%, continuing its trend from last year when it also recorded the lowest pass rate of 76.06%.
Data from the education board website reveals that the Dhaka board secured a pass rate of 83.92%, while Rajshahi board achieved 89.25%, Cumilla board 79.20%, Barishal board 89.13%, Chattogram board 82.80%, Dinajpur board 78.40%, and Mymensingh board 84.97%.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the results of this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. Students have been able to access their results through the official website.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the 2024 Hajj program (1445 hijri) in Ashkona, the capital, today, May 8th.
Subsequently, she exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims at the Ashkona Hajj camp.
The maiden Hajj flight is set to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Saudi Arabia on Thursday (May 9).
Dedicated Hajj flights will also operate from Chattogram and Sylhet airports, landing at Jeddah and Medina airports.
This year, 85,257 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to undertake the holy journey. Among them, 4,562 will be under government management, while 80,695 will be managed privately.
The Hajj is tentatively scheduled for June 15th, contingent upon the moon sighting.
In attendance were Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Ministry Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, and president of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Shahadat Hossain Taslim.
Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the inaugural function, while Religious Affairs Secretary Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the welcome address.
