National
Environment Minister Praises Bangabandhu’s Environmental Vision
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury highlighted Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visionary approach to environment-friendly development in Bangladesh.
“Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the groundwork for environmental protection in Bangladesh long before the first Earth Summit in Rio,” Chowdhury remarked. “He enacted ordinances to combat water pollution and passed laws to safeguard wildlife and biodiversity, even amid the challenges of post-war Bangladesh. It’s our duty to honor Bangabandhu’s vision by realizing his dream of ‘Sonar Bangla’, a nation thriving in happiness, prosperity, and environmental serenity.”
Chowdhury made these remarks at a discussion organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, titled “The historical leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the development of the country,” held at the Department of Environment to commemorate Independence and National Day 2024.
The Minister emphasized Bangabandhu’s unifying leadership, transcending religious and cultural divides, and his pursuit of a democratic system to replace Pakistan’s regime. Chowdhury stressed the ongoing struggle for economic, social, and cultural liberation in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of unity for national development, irrespective of political affiliations.
The discussion, chaired by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, saw the participation of officials including Additional Secretary (Administration) Iqbal Abdullah Harun, Additional Secretary (Environment) Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Md. Nasir Uddin, Chairman of Bangladesh Forest Industry Development Corporation, Md. Zainal Abedin, Managing Director of Bangladesh Climate Change Trust, Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment, and Md. Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forest.
The event also featured a screening of a documentary highlighting the remarkable life and contributions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
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.
