National
Bangladesh’s 12th Parliamentary Election Echoes Across Indian Media Outlets
In a noteworthy development, the 12th parliamentary election in Bangladesh has become a focal point in Indian media, with prominent outlets like NDTV, ANI, DD Metro, WION, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Indian Express, News Stream, and The Wire extensively covering diverse aspects of the polls. Reports from these media houses have diligently highlighted the ongoing voting procedures, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) boycott, and the general strike initiated by the BNP. Keenly observed by Indian journalists and observers, the election has garnered significant attention, with three Indian observers actively participating in the monitoring process.
Academic experts, former diplomats, and Indian political analysts have contributed their insights through columns and editorials, shedding light on the election’s significance and India’s perspective on the matter. According to ANI, NDTV, and other reliable sources, despite the BNP’s strike call, voters have shown resilience, turning out in substantial numbers to exercise their right to vote. The reports suggest that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is poised to secure her fourth consecutive term.
In a detailed analysis, ANI underscored the international dimension of the election, noting that 100 foreign observers, including three from India, are closely monitoring the electoral proceedings. Meanwhile, The Times of India has published comprehensive reports on various facets of the election, with journalist Sachin Parashar contributing an insightful editorial titled “Bangladesh Polls 2024: Amid the Geopolitical Slugfest, India Watches Cautiously.”
The Hindu has reported on instances of violence during the election and the opposition’s boycott, highlighting a concerning tally of 18 arson attacks. This widespread coverage in Indian media underscores the regional interest in Bangladesh’s electoral process, emphasizing its geopolitical implications.
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.
