National
PM Sheikh Hasina to Visit New Delhi & Beijing in June, July
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit New Delhi and Beijing in June and July to strengthen Bangladesh’s ties with Asia’s two leading economic powers.
A senior Bangladeshi official informed UNB that the Prime Minister will likely undertake an official visit to New Delhi on June 21-22 and to Beijing on July 9-12. Following the formation of her new government, Hasina highlighted her active engagement on the global stage by attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany in February.
PM Hasina’s visit to India follows the conclusion of the country’s national election, the world’s largest democratic exercise, which spanned seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count on June 4. A diplomatic source noted that her visit to New Delhi will be a milestone, elevating relations between the two countries to new heights.
In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh. The last bilateral engagement between Modi and Hasina occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was a guest country. Modi is also expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Additionally, Hasina’s upcoming visit to China in July was highlighted during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China’s commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations. Ambassador Yao emphasised the visit’s significance in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh’s aspirations for “Vision 2041” and the realisation of a “Smart Bangladesh.”
“This visit will be historical and a game-changer, opening a new chapter,” Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen told reporters when asked about PM Hasina’s forthcoming trip during a seminar on Sunday night. The ambassador refrained from confirming the exact dates, advising, “Let’s wait and see.”
Recently, Ambassador Yao stated that Bangladesh and China should deepen their strategic partnership and explore new growth points. “China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative,” he said, highlighting a focus on upgrading industries and advancing the digitalisation process in Bangladesh.
National
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, a distinguished academic from the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka, has been appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh (NUB). The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment through an official notification issued on Sunday (23 November), signed by Sultan Ahmed, Assistant Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, on behalf of the President.
The notice states that, with the approval of the Honorable President and Chancellor, Professor Rahman will serve a four-year term as Vice-Chancellor under Section 31(1) of the Private University Act, 2010. He will receive all salary, allowances, and benefits as determined by the university, and his duties will commence immediately in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Professor Rahman has an outstanding academic background. He secured First Class First in his Honors degree from the University of Dhaka’s Marketing Department, achieving record-breaking marks. He completed his MBA with dual majors in Finance and Marketing at Dalhousie University in Canada, graduating in the top 1% of his class. He later earned his Master’s degree (First Class Second) and PhD from the same department at the University of Dhaka.
During his illustrious 35-year career, he has served as Chairman of the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka for three years and was elected to both the Syndicate and Senate of the university. He also served as Dean at Daffodil International University and has taught as an adjunct professor at North South University, BRAC University, and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Professor Rahman has an extensive body of research, with over 35 publications, including four international papers and three research monographs. Several MPhil and PhD scholars have completed their degrees under his supervision. He also served for many years as Vice President of the Dhaka University Marketing Alumni Association.
Outside academia, he has contributed significantly to the corporate sector and educational governance. He has worked as an independent director and strategic adviser to various reputed organizations and has served on the governing bodies of several well-known colleges in Dhaka. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the North South Society.
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.
