National
RAB DG Affirms Improved Voting Atmosphere in 12th Jatiya Sangsad Election
Director General (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) M Khurshid Hossain asserted today that the voting atmosphere in the 12th Jatiya Sangsad election surpassed that of the 2014 and 2018 polls. Speaking at a media interaction after visiting various polling centers in the capital, Hossain stated that people were voting freely and with great enthusiasm, noting a distinct absence of panic among the voters during the polling process.
After inspecting the Motijheel Ideal School and College polling station, Hossain expressed satisfaction with the beautiful and peaceful atmosphere in which the voting took place. He reported that thus far, there had been no issues in Dhaka city, emphasizing the coordination efforts with RAB, police, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Hossain expressed confidence that the polls would ultimately proceed across the country in a peaceful environment.
Addressing the Onside Identification and Verification System (OIVS), the RAB DG clarified that the system is used to identify outsiders or non-voters attempting to disrupt the process. He highlighted the use of IVM devices to identify individuals with potential terrorist affiliations. Hossain acknowledged that the election boycott by BNP-Jamaat had created a panicky situation but assured the public that adequate measures were in place to address any concerns.
Responding to questions about post-election security measures, Hossain conveyed confidence, stating, “We are not afraid, but there are adequate measures on how to deal with that fear. You can be sure that there is no such danger. None can succeed even if they try.”
Regarding voters’ trust in law enforcement agencies, he reiterated the commitment to ensuring a secure and trouble-free voting process. Hossain emphasized the implementation of necessary security measures at every polling station, with a focus on the safety of voters, polling station personnel, and officers during the counting of votes to facilitate a smooth conclusion to the electoral proceedings.
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.
