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PM Sheikh Hasina Calls for Public Support in Ensuring Fair Elections
Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed to the nation for their blessings in ensuring a fair and peaceful election, emphasizing the pivotal role of votes in bringing about a change in government.
Speaking at the launch of AL nomination forms for the 12th parliamentary elections, Sheikh Hasina urged citizens to stay vigilant against those resorting to arson terrorism to disrupt the electoral process, emphasizing the hard-fought establishment of voting rights. She expressed gratitude to political parties participating in the elections, cautioning against attempts to sabotage the democratic system. Sheikh Hasina also highlighted the destructive impact of past instances of arson terrorism and called for collective resistance against such actions.
In a demonstration of democratic continuity since 2009, Sheikh Hasina credited the country’s socioeconomic progress to the steadfast democratic system. She reiterated the call to resist those attempting to disrupt elections through violence and urged the public not to allow any hindrance to the hard-earned democracy. Emphasizing the people’s right to vote and choose their representatives, Sheikh Hasina expressed confidence that attempts to undermine the electoral process would face consequences. Regarding the AL nomination process, she assured that eligible candidates would be chosen through a thorough selection process involving input from the grassroots level.
In the context of the nomination process, booths have been set up at the AL central office for the distribution of nomination forms across divisions. Aspirants are allowed to collect and submit nomination papers between November 18 and November 21. The application process involves candidates or their representatives providing a photocopy of the National Identity Card (NID) along with essential details. Nomination forms must be submitted by 4 pm on November 21.
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.
