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 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.
