National
PM Sheikh Hasina: No Need for Vote Theft
Speaking at an election rally in Kalabagan, the capital city, on Monday (Jan 1), Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and President of the Awami League, affirmed the party’s commitment to genuine public service amid the ongoing democratic processes in the country. Stressing the Awami League’s dedication to securing votes through authentic connections with the people, she dismissed the need for engaging in vote theft. Sheikh Hasina pointed out that those unlawfully coming to power not only resort to vote theft but also seek to obstruct the electoral process.
Highlighting the Awami League’s history of service to the country’s people since 1975, Sheikh Hasina emphasized shaping the nation’s destiny through dedicated efforts without compromising the well-being of the citizens. In a critical tone, she accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of inflicting suffering on the country akin to invaders post-2001, attributing the imposition of an emergency in the country to their misrule.
Addressing BNP’s reluctance to participate in elections without the option of vote theft, Sheikh Hasina asserted that elections are a fundamental right of the people, and BNP lacks the courage to obstruct it. Urging vigilance among the public, she cautioned that BNP’s actions could potentially harm the nation.
Commenting on BNP’s alleged plans to disrupt voting through arson, Sheikh Hasina called for responding through democratic means and emphasized that all disruptions caused by BNP and Jamaat should be addressed through the power of voting. Making an appeal for votes symbolized by a boat, the electoral symbol of the Awami League, she highlighted promises of development in 15 constituencies of Dhaka and urged voters to support the boat for the envisioned ‘Smart Bangladesh’.
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.
