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PM Sheikh Hasina Calls for Public Support in Ensuring Fair Elections
Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed to the nation for their blessings in ensuring a fair and peaceful election, emphasizing the pivotal role of votes in bringing about a change in government.
Speaking at the launch of AL nomination forms for the 12th parliamentary elections, Sheikh Hasina urged citizens to stay vigilant against those resorting to arson terrorism to disrupt the electoral process, emphasizing the hard-fought establishment of voting rights. She expressed gratitude to political parties participating in the elections, cautioning against attempts to sabotage the democratic system. Sheikh Hasina also highlighted the destructive impact of past instances of arson terrorism and called for collective resistance against such actions.
In a demonstration of democratic continuity since 2009, Sheikh Hasina credited the country’s socioeconomic progress to the steadfast democratic system. She reiterated the call to resist those attempting to disrupt elections through violence and urged the public not to allow any hindrance to the hard-earned democracy. Emphasizing the people’s right to vote and choose their representatives, Sheikh Hasina expressed confidence that attempts to undermine the electoral process would face consequences. Regarding the AL nomination process, she assured that eligible candidates would be chosen through a thorough selection process involving input from the grassroots level.
In the context of the nomination process, booths have been set up at the AL central office for the distribution of nomination forms across divisions. Aspirants are allowed to collect and submit nomination papers between November 18 and November 21. The application process involves candidates or their representatives providing a photocopy of the National Identity Card (NID) along with essential details. Nomination forms must be submitted by 4 pm on November 21.
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.
