National
Bangladesh’s 12th Parliamentary Election Echoes Across Indian Media Outlets
In a noteworthy development, the 12th parliamentary election in Bangladesh has become a focal point in Indian media, with prominent outlets like NDTV, ANI, DD Metro, WION, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Indian Express, News Stream, and The Wire extensively covering diverse aspects of the polls. Reports from these media houses have diligently highlighted the ongoing voting procedures, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) boycott, and the general strike initiated by the BNP. Keenly observed by Indian journalists and observers, the election has garnered significant attention, with three Indian observers actively participating in the monitoring process.
Academic experts, former diplomats, and Indian political analysts have contributed their insights through columns and editorials, shedding light on the election’s significance and India’s perspective on the matter. According to ANI, NDTV, and other reliable sources, despite the BNP’s strike call, voters have shown resilience, turning out in substantial numbers to exercise their right to vote. The reports suggest that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is poised to secure her fourth consecutive term.
In a detailed analysis, ANI underscored the international dimension of the election, noting that 100 foreign observers, including three from India, are closely monitoring the electoral proceedings. Meanwhile, The Times of India has published comprehensive reports on various facets of the election, with journalist Sachin Parashar contributing an insightful editorial titled “Bangladesh Polls 2024: Amid the Geopolitical Slugfest, India Watches Cautiously.”
The Hindu has reported on instances of violence during the election and the opposition’s boycott, highlighting a concerning tally of 18 arson attacks. This widespread coverage in Indian media underscores the regional interest in Bangladesh’s electoral process, emphasizing its geopolitical implications.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
President Raisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were killed in a helicopter crash early today (20 May) in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border.
In a condolence message, Sheikh Hasina stated, “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the sad demise of President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and members of the entourage in the tragic accident of the helicopter carrying them.”
She added, “In this hour of grief, on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I convey our deepest condolences to the Government and the brotherly people of Iran.”
Prime Minister Hasina remembered President Raisi as a “wise and selfless leader who served his country with deep commitment and worked for the well-being of the people of Iran.”
She praised his leadership, saying, “He was a great leader of international stature and his exemplary leadership and accomplishments will remain a lasting legacy for us.”
The condolence letter was addressed to Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first vice president, who earlier confirmed President Raisi’s death in a statement on social media and state television.
According to the state news agency IRNA, Raisi was flying in a US-made Bell 212 helicopter.
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.
