National
PM Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh to Choose Best Teesta Project Proposal from India or China
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.
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.
