National
PM says Opposition Allowed to Protest, But Arson Violence Unacceptable
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her government’s stance on opposition movements while addressing the ‘Bangabandhu Public Administration Award (BPAA)-2023’ ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city. The Prime Minister made it clear that her government does not object to any peaceful movements or struggles by opposition parties; however, she emphasized that no acts of arson violence will be tolerated.
During the award-giving ceremony, where 28 officials and two government departments were honored for their outstanding contributions on National Public Service Day, Sheikh Hasina reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining peace and security in the country. She warned against any attempts to disrupt the nation’s progress and stated that her government will not allow anyone to jeopardize the welfare of the people.
Addressing administrative officials and employees, the Prime Minister encouraged them not to be afraid of peaceful protests as long as the people support her government. She expressed her desire to see a joyful and smiling workforce and highlighted the importance of maintaining morale and strength to overcome life’s challenges. Sheikh Hasina expressed her belief that with this determination, Bangladesh will continue to progress.
The Bangabandhu Public Administration Award (BPAA) was introduced in 2016 to recognize and encourage the efficiency, mindfulness, and innovative efforts of officials in the public administration across various sectors. The award ceremony, which usually takes place on July 23, was delayed this year due to the Prime Minister’s official visit to Italy.
Each recipient of the BPAA received a gold medal weighing 15 grams and a certificate with a state monogram as prizes. Individual contributions were rewarded with Tk 2 lakh, while team contributions received Tk 5 lakh.
State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Administration Ministry HN Ashequr Rahman, and Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and motivating exceptional public service.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come in the context of heightened political activities and opposition movements in the country. As Bangladesh continues its journey of progress and development, the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and democratic principles remains a top priority.
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.
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.
