National
PM Sheikh Hasina Urges RAB Vigilance to Curb Price Manipulation in Ramadan
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to heighten vigilance against dishonest businesses in anticipation of Ramadan, aiming to stabilize essential prices. Speaking at the 20th founding anniversary of RAB, she expressed concern about unethical practices during Ramadan, where some businesses exploit the season for personal gain.
Addressing the audience at RAB’s headquarters in Kurmitola, the Prime Minister emphasized the unfortunate trend of certain dishonest businessmen engaging in hoarding essential items, inflating prices, and employing deceptive tactics during Ramadan. Sheikh Hasina urged RAB officials to take decisive actions against these individuals and smugglers.
In addition to stabilizing prices, Prime Minister Hasina directed RAB personnel to intensify efforts against counterfeit notes in preparation for Eid-ul-Fitr. Acknowledging the ongoing drive against such elements, she urged RAB to persist in their efforts.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and RAB Director General M Khurshid Hossain also addressed the program. A documentary showcasing RAB’s recent activities was screened, highlighting the force’s role in maintaining law and order.
Economy
Rain, Gusty Winds Expected Across Bangladesh: Met
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.
National
Mild Heat Wave Likely to Ease in Next 24 Hours: Met Office
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.
Economy
Ex-Ministers Accused in Murders Linked to Anti-Discrimination Protests
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.