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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 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.
