National
PM Sheikh Hasina: No Need for Vote Theft
Speaking at an election rally in Kalabagan, the capital city, on Monday (Jan 1), Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and President of the Awami League, affirmed the party’s commitment to genuine public service amid the ongoing democratic processes in the country. Stressing the Awami League’s dedication to securing votes through authentic connections with the people, she dismissed the need for engaging in vote theft. Sheikh Hasina pointed out that those unlawfully coming to power not only resort to vote theft but also seek to obstruct the electoral process.
Highlighting the Awami League’s history of service to the country’s people since 1975, Sheikh Hasina emphasized shaping the nation’s destiny through dedicated efforts without compromising the well-being of the citizens. In a critical tone, she accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of inflicting suffering on the country akin to invaders post-2001, attributing the imposition of an emergency in the country to their misrule.
Addressing BNP’s reluctance to participate in elections without the option of vote theft, Sheikh Hasina asserted that elections are a fundamental right of the people, and BNP lacks the courage to obstruct it. Urging vigilance among the public, she cautioned that BNP’s actions could potentially harm the nation.
Commenting on BNP’s alleged plans to disrupt voting through arson, Sheikh Hasina called for responding through democratic means and emphasized that all disruptions caused by BNP and Jamaat should be addressed through the power of voting. Making an appeal for votes symbolized by a boat, the electoral symbol of the Awami League, she highlighted promises of development in 15 constituencies of Dhaka and urged voters to support the boat for the envisioned ‘Smart Bangladesh’.
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.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted rain or thundershowers across all eight divisions in the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
According to the BMD, “Rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barisal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and at a few places over Rangpur division with hails at isolated places in the next 24 hours as of 9 am tomorrow.”
A mild heat wave is currently sweeping over the districts of Gopalganj, Jashore, and Chuadanga, but it may abate soon.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The maximum temperature recorded on Monday was 37.6 degrees Celsius in Jashore, while the minimum temperature today was 18.8 degrees Celsius in Bandarban.
Rainfall over the last 24 hours until 6 am today was measured at 130mm in Feni.
Today, the sun is set to set at 6:20 PM and rise at 5:19 AM tomorrow in the capital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the newly constructed Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Bhaban and Senaprangan (Army Central Auditorium) Bhaban in Dhaka Cantonment today, unveiling their name plaques and cutting ribbons to enter AFIP Bhaban. During her visit, she toured different facilities within AFIP Bhaban, where AFIP Commandant Major General Dr Nishat Jubaida briefed her on its main features and facilities.
The project, “Extension and Modernization of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP),” approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2019, aimed to meet the increasing demand for pathology services. Remarkably, the project was completed ahead of schedule, by December 2024.
The 14-storey AFIP Bhaban boasts a modern laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including next-generation sequencing, automated microbial identification systems, transmission electron microscopes, and multi-headed microscopes, ensuring international standard services.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof Dr Samanta Lal Sen, Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
Following the inauguration of Senaprangan Bhaban, the prime minister also cut a ribbon to enter the new facility. Senaprangan serves as the army’s central auditorium for hosting various national and international-level events such as meetings, seminars, and social gatherings, with Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and high-level army officers in attendance.
