National
Elevated Expressway to Transform Dhaka’s Transport Network, Says DCCI President
Barrister Md Sameer Sattar, the President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), emphasized the critical need for a seamless and efficient transport and communication network in Dhaka, the focal point of Bangladesh’s economic growth. He highlighted the pressing challenges faced by Dhaka, including traffic congestion, which has significant adverse economic implications. Sattar commended the government’s efforts in completing landmark infrastructure projects such as the Payra Port, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Padma Bridge, which are integral components of the Fast-Track mega projects aimed at infrastructure development.
The Padma Bridge, inaugurated in 2022, was noted for its transformative impact on communication, connecting the underdeveloped southern region with Dhaka and fostering macroeconomic connectivity across the nation. In line with the government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, Sattar mentioned recent mega communication infrastructure projects like MRT 6 and the Elevated Expressway within Dhaka, designed to enhance connectivity in the capital’s surrounding areas.
The inauguration of the first phase of the Elevated Expressway was hailed as a historic milestone with the potential to boost GDP, alleviate traffic congestion, and create opportunities for inclusive development. Sattar, representing the private sector, expressed appreciation for this timely initiative, anticipating its significant benefits to the local supply chain network and business operations.
He believed that commuters, investors, and entrepreneurs in Dhaka would reap the rewards of improved local connectivity and reduced traffic-related challenges. The Elevated Expressway was anticipated to have a transformative impact on the country’s transport communication system and economic growth trajectory, facilitating local and export-oriented industrialization.
Sattar also emphasized the potential of the Elevated Expressway to enhance trade growth by providing efficient access to Chattogram and Mongla ports from Gazipur and Savar, ultimately contributing to Bangladesh’s economic competitiveness.
In conclusion, Barrister Sameer Sattar anticipated that the Elevated Expressway would not only boost GDP but also shape a more investment-friendly ecosystem in Bangladesh, enhancing infrastructural efficiency and economic competitiveness.
Economy
Rain, Gusty Winds Expected Across Bangladesh: Met
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.
National
Mild Heat Wave Likely to Ease in Next 24 Hours: Met Office
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.
Economy
Ex-Ministers Accused in Murders Linked to Anti-Discrimination Protests
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.