National
Election-time govt will be formed under PM Sheikh Hasina
The Awami League (AL) party, in a meeting with the EU Election Exploratory Mission, reiterated their strong stance on conducting the upcoming parliamentary election in accordance with constitutional provisions. The ruling party made their position clear during a meeting held at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in Banani on July 15th.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who led the nine-member team during the two-hour meeting, emphasized their unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution, stating, “We will not accept any violation of the constitution… The election-time government in Bangladesh, like in other countries around the world, will be formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
As per the 15th Amendment, parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place within 90 days before the dissolution of the current parliament. During this period, the parliament will remain in existence but with limited power and functions, while the outgoing cabinet retains its authority during the election. Newly elected lawmakers will assume office after the completion of the outgoing parliament’s five-year tenure.
Quader further stated that there is no possibility of dissolving the parliament, government resignation, or the formation of a caretaker government. The EU delegation, in their meeting with the AL, focused on the expectation of a peaceful and fair election, rather than discussing dialogue or a caretaker government.
The meeting was attended by prominent AL members, including the party’s international affairs subcommittee and former ambassador Muhammad Zamir, international affairs Secretary Dr. Shammi Ahmed, Presidium member Muhammad Farooq Khan, Office Secretary Biplab Barua, Information and Research Secretary Dr. Salim Mahmud, and Executive Committee Members Prof. Mohammad Ali Arafat and Joint General Secretary Dr. Hasan Mahmud.
Earlier in the day, the EU mission held a meeting with the leaders of the BNP before engaging with the Jatiya Party, as part of their visit to Bangladesh.
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.
