National
PM Sheikh Hasina Stresses People’s Right to Vote Amid Rising Tensions
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina emphasized the constitutional rights of the people to vote, stating that no one should obstruct them from exercising this fundamental right. Speaking to reporters after offering Ziarat at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) mazar, she condemned the BNP-Jamaat alliance for resorting to acts of terrorism to disrupt the upcoming national election scheduled for January 7.
Addressing the recent arson attacks on railways, Prime Minister Hasina warned against those responsible, asserting that severe actions would be taken against those involved in such destructive activities. She expressed concern over attempts to discourage people from casting their votes but affirmed that the public is in favor of the election process.
Prime Minister Hasina underscored the commitment of the Awami League government to welfare and development, vowing to fulfill the remaining needs of the people if elected again. She expressed determination to make Bangladesh a developed and prosperous nation, echoing the vision of the Father of the Nation.
Despite the BNP’s decision to boycott the polls, Sheikh Hasina questioned the necessity of causing harm to innocent lives through arson attacks. She condemned the BNP-Jamaat alliance for engaging in terrorist and militant activities, describing their actions as an affront to the people.
In a poignant moment, she mourned the tragic death of a child and her mother in a train fire, condemning such acts of violence against the public, police, and journalists. Sheikh Hasina pledged to continue working towards the development and prosperity of Bangladesh, asserting that the government would not tolerate any form of terrorism.
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.
