National
Rain, Thunderstorms Likely in Parts of Bangladesh: Met
The Meteorological Department forecasts that rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, are likely to occur at one or two places in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Meanwhile, the weather is expected to remain mainly dry with a partly cloudy sky across the rest of the country over the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
A mild heatwave is currently affecting the districts of Madaripur, Gopalganj, Sylhet, Chattogram, Rangamati, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Bandarban, Khulna, Mongla, Satkhira, Chuadanga, Khepupara, and Bhola, with expectations for it to continue.
On Wednesday, Sitakunda recorded the highest temperature in the country at 37.8 degrees Celsius, while Bogura reported the lowest at 23.4 degrees Celsius. Additionally, Bogura experienced the highest rainfall, with 80 millimeters recorded in the last 24 hours until 6 am today.
A low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay and its adjoining regions now lies over the West-central Bay and the adjoining Southwest Bay, and it is likely to intensify further.
Both day and night temperatures may rise slightly across the country. The increase in moisture is expected to cause a rise in discomfort levels.
In Dhaka, the sun is set to rise at 5:12 am tomorrow after setting at 6:38 pm today.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced today that Bangladesh is open to evaluating proposals from both India and China regarding the Teesta project and will select the one that best benefits the people of Bangladesh. Speaking at a press conference at her official residence, Gonobhaban, Hasina emphasized that the decision will prioritize national interests.
“Both India and China have made proposals. We will assess both and choose the one most beneficial for our people,” said Hasina during the event, which was called to discuss her recent state visit to India.
When asked about her preference between India and China, Hasina stated, “We maintain our friendships based on our developmental needs. Our historical ties with India date back to the 1971 Liberation War, while we also have valuable lessons to learn from China’s development.”
Addressing the specifics of the Teesta project, Hasina highlighted the ongoing discussions with both nations, especially India, with whom Bangladesh shares water from 54 rivers. “Our considerations include the project’s suitability, our repayment capacity, and the benefits for our people,” she explained.
She noted that partnering with India on the Teesta project could help resolve longstanding water-sharing issues. “Collaborating with India could streamline our efforts to address the Teesta water-sharing crisis,” she said.
Responding to social media criticism that Bangladesh is being sold to India, Hasina firmly denied any such intentions. “I do not compromise the country’s interests. Those who accuse me are pro-Pakistan,” she declared, humorously questioning how a country’s weight could be measured for sale.
On her relationship with India, Hasina reiterated that Bangladesh is an independent state, achieved through the 1971 Liberation War with India’s support. She emphasized that unlike other allied powers, India withdrew its troops immediately after the war at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s request.
Regarding the reopening of railways between Bangladesh and India, Hasina clarified, “Reopening these railways will greatly contribute to our economy, benefiting both common people and businesses.”
She also addressed objections to providing transit to India, comparing the situation to Europe’s open borders within the EU. “What is the harm in providing transit to another country? Should we close all doors of Bangladesh?” she questioned.
Hasina’s visit to New Delhi, from 21 June, marked the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India after the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive time. This was also her second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days, following her attendance at Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on 9 June.
Kaus Mia, the renowned Jorda tycoon and proprietor of Hakimpuri Jorda, has passed away at the age of 94. He died while undergoing treatment at Asgar Ali Hospital in Dhaka around 1 am today (25 June), confirmed by his grandson Anowar Sadat.
Kaus Mia was a distinguished figure in Bangladesh, recognized for being one of the highest taxpayers for 26 consecutive years. In the tax year 2021-22, he was awarded the best taxpayer in the “Senior Citizen” category, following previous years of accolades in the businessman category.
Having paid taxes for 61 years, Kaus Mia first contributed in 1958. Reflecting on his decision, he explained at a National Board of Revenue (NBR) event in 2019, “I used to keep money here and there, facing many problems and risks. In 1958, I became ‘free’ by paying my first tax and started keeping all my money in the bank, maintaining clean accounts.”
Kaus Mia’s tax contributions began making headlines in 1967 when he became the top taxpayer in then East Pakistan. Since 2008, he consistently ranked among the highest taxpayers in the country’s business sector.
Today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the stipend and tuition fee distribution for insolvent and meritorious students ranging from secondary to graduate levels, under the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust (PMEAT). The ceremony was held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
The prime minister announced that the funds would be directly transferred to the beneficiaries through a digital system. “I am very happy to disburse the money of stipends and tuition fees among the meritorious students through a digital platform,” she said.
Over Tk 2,208 crore will be distributed to more than 6.47 million students at the secondary, higher secondary, graduate, and equivalent levels.
In addition to the stipends, the prime minister awarded the Bangabandhu Creative Talent Search Award-2024 to 15 students and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Scholar Award-2023 to 21 students. Each recipient of the Bangabandhu Creative Talent Search Award received a certificate and Tk 2 lakh, while each Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Scholar Award recipient received a certificate and Tk 3 lakh.
Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury, PM’s Education and Cultural Affairs Adviser Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, State Minister for Education Begum Shamsun Naher, and Education Secretary Suleman Khan also spoke at the event.
Three students, Nusrat Jahan Maliha from Hazaribagh Girls’ School and College, Atifa Rahman from Amena-Baki Residential Model School and College in Dinajpur, and Pinak Mugdha Das from Government Majid Memorial City College in Khulna, shared their experiences on behalf of the Bangabandhu Creative Talent Search Award-2024 recipients. Additionally, Dhaka University students Zarin Tasneem Raisa and Al Foysal Bin Kashem Kanon spoke on behalf of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Scholar Award-2023 recipients.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the education of underprivileged and high-achieving students across the country.
