National
Momen: Foreigners Exploit Weakness, Favor Unrest
Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen has asserted that foreign interests are not aligned with the well-being of Bangladesh; instead, they tend to favor instability within the nation. He pointed out that the motive behind foreigners is not the advancement of Bangladesh but rather the creation of unrest. Momen delivered these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Study Trust, focused on the recent developmental trajectory of the country, held at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday (August 10).
He cautioned against falling prey to foreign manipulations, emphasizing the need to discern and not be swayed by external influences. Momen highlighted a peculiar observation—the prominence of Bangladesh’s national elections amidst discussions at the US State Department, even before polls in 22 other countries. He suggested that this attention could stem from the country’s enhanced international standing, implying that its progress and growing influence have attracted scrutiny.
The Foreign Minister celebrated the strides made in economic development over the past 14 years under the Awami League-led government’s leadership. Momen recommended that economic matters should be the centerpiece of discussions leading up to the election, emphasizing their relevance to the nation’s future. He proposed examining the socio-economic conditions of the period from 2001 to 2006 and drawing a comparative analysis with the developments achieved in the last 14 years.
Momen further affirmed that the people have entrusted their confidence in the Bangladesh Awami League, underlining the government’s commitment to the nation’s progress and welfare. He advocated for a balanced perspective, suggesting that the country’s priorities should supersede foreign interests in importance.
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.
