National
PM Sheikh Hasina Stresses People’s Right to Vote Amid Rising Tensions
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina emphasized the constitutional rights of the people to vote, stating that no one should obstruct them from exercising this fundamental right. Speaking to reporters after offering Ziarat at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) mazar, she condemned the BNP-Jamaat alliance for resorting to acts of terrorism to disrupt the upcoming national election scheduled for January 7.
Addressing the recent arson attacks on railways, Prime Minister Hasina warned against those responsible, asserting that severe actions would be taken against those involved in such destructive activities. She expressed concern over attempts to discourage people from casting their votes but affirmed that the public is in favor of the election process.
Prime Minister Hasina underscored the commitment of the Awami League government to welfare and development, vowing to fulfill the remaining needs of the people if elected again. She expressed determination to make Bangladesh a developed and prosperous nation, echoing the vision of the Father of the Nation.
Despite the BNP’s decision to boycott the polls, Sheikh Hasina questioned the necessity of causing harm to innocent lives through arson attacks. She condemned the BNP-Jamaat alliance for engaging in terrorist and militant activities, describing their actions as an affront to the people.
In a poignant moment, she mourned the tragic death of a child and her mother in a train fire, condemning such acts of violence against the public, police, and journalists. Sheikh Hasina pledged to continue working towards the development and prosperity of Bangladesh, asserting that the government would not tolerate any form of terrorism.
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.
