National
PM Sheikh Hasina Receives Over Tk 315cr for Padma Bridge Loan
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received over TK 315 crore as the 5th and 6th installments of the loan taken for the construction of the Padma Bridge. The presentation took place during a check handover function at the premier’s Ganabhaban residence, where Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader handed over a cheque of Tk 315,07,53,442. Among those present were PM’s Ambassador-at-Large M Ziauddin, PM’S Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Finance Division Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Bridges Division Secretary M Monjur Hossain, and high officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), bridge, and finance divisions.
With the inclusion of the fifth and sixth installments, the Bridges Division has contributed a total of Tk 948,01,19,585 to the government through six installments. The loan repayment initiative commenced on April 5, utilizing toll collection revenue as the first and second installments.
The Padma Bridge, a significant infrastructure project, was constructed at a cost exceeding Taka 32,605 crore. On June 25, 2022, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the 6.15-km Padma Bridge, marking a milestone in the country’s transportation infrastructure.
It is noteworthy that the loan for the Padma Bridge project was secured from Bangladesh Bank at a low interest rate, as per an agreement between the Finance Division and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority. The loan repayment process, exemplified by the recent installments, reflects the government’s commitment to managing the financial aspects of key national projects.
This check handover signifies another step in the financial stewardship of the Padma Bridge initiative, underscoring the government’s dedication to completing and sustaining vital infrastructure projects that contribute to the nation’s progress.
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.
