National
MSF Reports Surge in Border Killings due to BSF Negligence
Incidents of killing and injuring Bangladeshis along the Bangladesh-India border are on the rise again due to the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) refusing to adopt safe and effective measures, according to a Bangladeshi rights organization.
The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), led by Sultana Kamal, which tracks border killings, reported that four Bangladeshi nationals were killed and five others sustained bullet injuries in BSF firing along the border in the outgoing month of March. The MSF’s monthly report indicated that the number of killings remained the same in February.
Additionally, an elderly person was injured in a grenade explosion on the Zero line along the Bangladesh-Myanmar frontier in Naikhangchhory upazila, Bandarban district, during the period from March 1 to March 31. Furthermore, one youth was injured in a landmine explosion in the same frontier during this period.
Moreover, a youth injured during firing, reportedly by an armed individual attempting to enter Bangladeshi territory through the Ukhia frontier in Cox’s Bazar district, succumbed to his injuries in March. These incidents have caused panic among the people residing in frontier areas, as stated by the MSF.
The MSF believes that the government’s failure to protest against border killings raises questions among the people. “Such incidents on the frontier are never expected,” the organization added.
In addition to border killings and tensions, the MSF reported that twelve people died in prison custody during March. Of them, 11 were taken to the Medical College Hospital outside the jail, where they were declared dead.
The MSF prepared the report based on information published in various media outlets and also collected information through its own sources. According to the report, individuals posing as law enforcement agencies picked up three people during this period, later showing them as arrested in cases.
Violence against women and children, including rape, gang rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and suicides, showed a slight decline. Around 247 incidents of violence against women and children were reported in the month, 38 fewer than in February. Among these incidents, 38 were rapes, 9 were organized or gang rapes, and one was a murder after rape. Two disabled women were among the victims.
Moreover, at least 40 journalists faced different troubles during this period in fifteen incidents. Among them, 10 students were suspended from Dhaka International University (DIU) for forming a journalism committee on the campus and conducting campus reporting. Additionally, three received threats, eight were assaulted, and 17 journalists were attacked while performing their professional duties in March 2024.
Five incidents of minority torture were reported during the period in March. According to MSF statistics, casualties from mob beatings increased abnormally this month. Nine people were killed, and eight others were critically injured in seven incidents of mob beating in March. Of them, four were handed over to the police.
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.
