National
Bangladesh’s Food Security Remains Strong Amid Global Challenges: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has assured the Parliament that despite ongoing international challenges, Bangladesh’s food security remains robust. Responding to a query from Awami League lawmaker Md Shahiduzzaman Sarkar, she underscored that Bangladesh has not only successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic but has also maintained food security during the prevailing global crises.
Sheikh Hasina commended Bangladesh’s achievement of food self-sufficiency, emphasizing the government’s relentless efforts in this regard. She acknowledged the disruptions in the global supply chain for various commodities, including food, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In response, the government has implemented a series of national and international measures to ensure food security in the face of these challenges.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Bangladesh’s food grain production has surged over the years, exemplifying the nation’s remarkable progress. She noted the construction and expansion of highways, bridges, and infrastructure during her three tenures, underlining Bangladesh’s commitment to development.
Additionally, Sheikh Hasina disclosed that the proposed investment in economic zones has reached $26 billion, with numerous companies initiating commercial production and creating jobs. The government has streamlined investment-related services through a one-stop service portal, enhancing ease of doing business.
Regarding the power and energy sector, the Prime Minister highlighted the development of the “Power System Master Plan (PSMP)-2016” aimed at ensuring quality and uninterrupted power supply at a reasonable cost. Bangladesh aims to generate 40,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030 and 60,000 megawatts by 2041, exploring various energy sources, including coal, diesel, furnace oil, nuclear, and renewable energy.
In response to a query about the recognition of the 1971 genocide, Sheikh Hasina explained international efforts to commemorate December 9 as the International Day for the Prevention of Genocide. While acknowledging the complexity of achieving international recognition of the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, she affirmed the government’s commitment to continuing these efforts.
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.
