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PM Sheikh Hasina Calls on Youth to Support ‘Boat’ for Continued Development
Sheikh Hasina Urges New Voters to Support “Boat” for Continued Development
Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on new and young voters to cast their ballots for the “Boat,” the party’s electoral symbol, to ensure the country’s ongoing development. Addressing a sizable election rally at Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground in Dhanmondi, Sheikh Hasina highlighted Bangladesh’s significant socio-economic progress under AL’s governance since 2008. Emphasizing the party’s commitment to transforming Bangladesh into a developed and prosperous nation by 2041, she urged voters to reject attempts by BNP-Jamaat to disrupt the electoral process through arson violence.
Transportation Flexibility on Polling Day for Voters
In preparation for the upcoming election on January 7, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that public transports, private cars, easy bikes, and auto-rickshaws would be allowed for movement on polling day. The goal is to ensure voters can easily reach polling centers. However, the movement of certain vehicles, including motorcycles and speedboats, will face restrictions. The circular also exempts emergency service vehicles and transports carrying relatives of foreign travelers, provided they present relevant documents.
Sheikh Hasina Addresses Election Rally, Seeks Support for “Boat”
AL President Sheikh Hasina, addressing a massive election rally, urged voters to support the “Boat,” describing it as a symbol of development, peace, and prosperity. She introduced all 15 AL candidates of Dhaka and emphasized their commitment to serving the people. Sheikh Hasina reassured voters that the AL government has made the Election Commission independent, ensuring free and fair elections without the need for rigging.
Sheikh Hasina Highlights Government’s Development Efforts in Dhaka
Sheikh Hasina presented her government’s efforts for the development of Dhaka, including the construction of metro rail, expressways, flyovers, and airport terminals. Plans for future projects, such as waterways surrounding Dhaka, upgrading Dhaka Medical College, and transforming the city’s rivers for increased navigability, were also outlined. Sheikh Hasina emphasized her government’s commitment to providing better and affordable healthcare, citing projects like the burn institute, heart institute, and specialized hospitals.
AL Chief Assures Independent Election Commission
Addressing accusations of vote manipulation, Sheikh Hasina emphasized that the AL government has made the Election Commission independent. The commission’s financial independence was ensured by separating it from the Prime Minister’s Office, announcing a separate budget, and implementing measures for free and fair elections. Sheikh Hasina underscored that the AL earns votes through the people’s trust and does not resort to rigging to assume power.
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.
