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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.
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.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted rain or thundershowers across all eight divisions in the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
According to the BMD, “Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and at a few places over Rangpur division with hails at isolated places in the next 24 hours as of 9 am tomorrow.”
A mild heat wave is currently sweeping over the districts of Gopalganj, Jashore, and Chuadanga, but it may abate soon.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The maximum temperature recorded on Monday was 37.6 degrees Celsius in Jashore, while the minimum temperature today was 18.8 degrees Celsius in Bandarban.
Rainfall over the last 24 hours until 6 am today was measured at 130mm in Feni.
Today, the sun is set to set at 6:20 PM and rise at 5:19 AM tomorrow in the capital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the newly constructed Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Bhaban and Senaprangan (Army Central Auditorium) Bhaban in Dhaka Cantonment today, unveiling their name plaques and cutting ribbons to enter AFIP Bhaban. During her visit, she toured different facilities within AFIP Bhaban, where AFIP Commandant Major General Dr Nishat Jubaida briefed her on its main features and facilities.
The project, “Extension and Modernization of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP),” approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2019, aimed to meet the increasing demand for pathology services. Remarkably, the project was completed ahead of schedule, by December 2024.
The 14-storey AFIP Bhaban boasts a modern laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including next-generation sequencing, automated microbial identification systems, transmission electron microscopes, and multi-headed microscopes, ensuring international standard services.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof Dr Samanta Lal Sen, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
Following the inauguration of Senaprangan Bhaban, the prime minister also cut a ribbon to enter the new facility. Senaprangan serves as the army’s central auditorium for hosting various national and international-level events such as meetings, seminars, and social gatherings, with Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and high-level army officers in attendance.
