Inside Bangladesh

Cast vote for Boat: PM urges new voters

Publish: 02:37 PM, 02 Jan, 2024


Thumbnail

Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called upon the new and young voters to cast their vote for `Boat’ to continue the country's development.

"I call upon the youth folk and new voters to vote for the Boat to continue the country's journey towards development," she said.

Sheikh Hasina was addressing a big election rally at Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground in Dhanmondi here in the afternoon.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has witnessed a massive socio-economic change since Awami League has been in power from 2008.

"Bangladesh has emerged as developing country, transforming it into a digital nation. If Awami League is voted to power again, it will help take forward Bangladesh towards a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh nation 2041," she said.

She said BNP has boycotted the election as they found no scope to rig the voting rights of the people.  

“Now BNP-Jammat are trying to foil the poll and snatch away your vote through arson terrorism,” AL chief said adding “To give them an appropriate answer, every voter with their near and dear ones should go to polling centre in the morning and exercise your franchise." 

Urging the people to remain alert against the BNP-Jamaat clique Sheikh Hasina said, "You will cast your vote and make sure none can prevent you from casting your voting rights. 

Referring to the BNP-Jamaat's arson terrorism, Sheikh Hasina said they had tried to foil 2014 parliamentary election through violence, but failed.

“Now they are out to thwart the 12th parliamentary election slated for January 7 for which they are once again started burning people to death through arson violence and subversive acts,” she said. 

Sheikh Hasina said her party has established the voting rights of the people. BNP and Jamaat have no courage to snatch the rights and foiling the election.

As Sheikh Hasina reached the venue a huge gathering of supporters welcomed her with a roaring response. She greeted the audience waving the national flag.

Introducing all 15 AL candidates of Dhaka, the AL chief has sought vote for her party's electoral symbol Boat, describing the Boat as the symbol of development, peace and prosperity.

She continued: "I am handing over 15 jewels to you who will act as your servants. They will serve you and people of Dhaka," she said.

“Boat had earned the country's independence and saved mankind from the great storm during the period of Nuh Nabi (AS).

The AL chief witnessed a colourful cultural programme performed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, MP, Presidium Member and Dhaka-13 AL candidate Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary and Dhaka -8 AL candidate AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh, and Dhaka-10 AL candidate and Dhallywood actor Ferdous Ahmed, among other spoke at the rally.

Dhaka North City AL President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman presided over the rally while Dhaka South City AL General Secretary Humayun Kabir moderated it.

Leaders from the AL's central and Dhaka city units and its associate bodies were present.

Coming down heavily on those who blamed AL for vote manipulation, Sheikh Hasina said her government needs no vote rigging to assume power as they have won the hearts of the people by working for the welfare of the country and its people.

"The Awami League government has made the Election Commission independent, so that it can conduct election freely," she said.

She said they have formed the election commission through enacting laws and brought it out of the purview of the Prime Minister's Office and announced a separate budget for it to make the commission independent financially.

The commission prepared a voter list with photographs and introduced transparent ballot boxes in accordance with the proposal of the Awami League, she said.

The AL President said they did such things to ensure a free and fair election, adding, "Awami League does not need vote rigging to assume power as it gets votes of the people by winning their hearts through their acts." 

Presenting a brief description of her government's efforts for the development of Dhaka and its surrounding areas, she said they have built metro rail from Motijheel to Uttara, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Purbachal Expressway, Hanif Flyover, Moghbazar-Mohakhali Flyover, Kuril Flyover, Gauchhia Flyover and Banani Overpass, which help reduce the nagging traffic jam in the capital.

The government is building the third terminal of the Shahjalal International Airport, she said, adding a portion of the terminal has already been opened.

"We have already built Dhaka metro rail from Motijheel to Uttara. We, in total, will build 6 metro rails surrounding Dhaka," she said.

The Prime Minister said they have plans to build a bus rapid transit road from airport to Gazipur and an overpass from Airport Railway Station to the airport.

She said they have taken a project to excavate the rivers surrounding Dhaka that include Buriganga, Dhaleshwari, Turag, Shitalakhya to increase their navigability alongside building walkways, embankment and amusement parks on the riverbanks.

The AL chief said if they are voted to power again, they will build waterways surrounding the capital city Dhaka.

In the last 15 years in power, since 2009, she said, her government has built burn institute, heart institute, ENT institute, eye institute, gastro liver institute, specialized and super critical hospitals to give better and affordable medicare to the people.

"We have built hospitals in Dhaka's north, south, east and west to provide healthcare services to the doorsteps of people," she said.

The AL President said her government has already taken a project to upgrade Dhaka Medical College into a modern hospital.

A design of the hospital has already been completed, she said, adding "If we are voted to power, we will start the work of transforming Dhaka Medical College into a 4000-bed hospital." 

:BSS


Awami League   President   Prime Minister   Sheikh Hasina   Voter  


Comment


Inside Bangladesh

Is Bangladesh the second address of the Taliban?

Publish: 07:53 AM, 26 Jul, 2024


Thumbnail

Last week, widespread violence and destruction unfolded across Bangladesh, centered in Dhaka. This has raised a pertinent question: Is Bangladesh witnessing the rise of extremism akin to the Taliban? Is Bangladesh potentially becoming a second home for the Taliban?

From July 17th to July 21st, incidents of unrest and violence have occurred across the country. Upon analysis, it is evident that the main instigators behind all these events are the anti-independence Jamaat, Shibir, and some militant organizations. Evidence suggests that professional militants have attacked various important establishments such as BTV, Metro Rail, and Elevated Expressway. Particularly concerning is the incident where militants managed to escape from Narshingdi jail, which raises several questions.

During this agitation (quota reform movement), BNP and its student wing were certainly involved, but they were supportive forces. Towards the end, with hopes of profiting and causing the government's downfall, they appeared on the field as allies of Jamaat-Shibir's B Team. However, the entire planning and execution of this movement were orchestrated by Jamaat, Shibir, and professional militants. This raises the question whether Bangladesh is witnessing a resurgence of terrorism. Because all these incidents have been orchestrated in such a manner that they couldn't have been carried out without the involvement of trained terrorists. This incident has made it clear that in Bangladesh, extremist, blind faith-driven, and reactionary groups remain active and have abundant weapons at their disposal.

In Bangladesh, there have been various instances of attempts to promote terrorism. Particularly in 2001, after the BNP-Jamaat alliance came to power, terrorism was encouraged and supported.

Research reveals that during that time, Bangla Bhai, along with Sheikh Abdur Rahman, led all the terrorists, who were under the parole of Jamaat and controlled by Jamaat. All these militant organizations orchestrated bomb attacks nationwide at that time. They carried out bomb attacks in court premises. Subsequently, various efforts were made gradually to curb terrorism. Upon assuming power, the Awami League government took a stern stance against terrorism. However, the Holy Artisan incident opened everyone's eyes. It became evident that terrorism still maintains a strong presence in Bangladesh.

After the Holy Artisan incident, the government adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and granted special importance to counterterrorism efforts. However, this did not eradicate terrorism completely. Terrorists became active from various locations, especially in the hilly areas where there have been reports of terrorist training camps. Due to all these reasons, it is believed that terrorists have reorganized and are attempting to overthrow the government. Following the unrest in July, it seems terrorists are now more organized than ever before. Therefore, they must be thwarted immediately. Failure to do so may turn Bangladesh into another Afghanistan in the days to come.



Comment


Inside Bangladesh

IU closed until further notice, students asked to vacate halls


Thumbnail

Citing clashes and fatalities at various universities across the country over the quota reform movement, Islamic University (IU) has been closed indefinitely, prioritizing the safety of its students.

This decision was made at the 264th emergency syndicate meeting held on Wednesday (July 17th) at 10:30 AM, presided over by the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shaikh Abdus Salam.

A notice was issued, signed by IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan in this regard.

Registrar’s Office Sources informed that considering the unforeseen circumstances arising at various educational institutions across the country, all academic activities of Islamic University will remain suspended until further notice, prioritizing the overall safety of the students. Male students have been instructed to vacate their hall by 1:00 PM on July 17 and female students by Thursday (18th July) 10:00 AM.


IU   Student Protest  


Comment


Inside Bangladesh

9 killed as microbus, auto rickshaw plunge into Barguna river

Publish: 02:18 AM, 23 Jun, 2024


Thumbnail

At least nine people were killed and several others injured as a microbus, carrying a bridal party, plunged into a river after a bridge collapse in Amtali upazila of the district today.

The deceased were identified as Rubia ,45, wife of Rakibul Howladar, Raiti Khan,22, wife of Sohail Khan, Fatema,35, wife of Babul Matbar, Shahnaz Akhtar, 37, wife of Abul Kalam, and her  two daughters Tahiyat Mejbin, 7, and Tasfia Mubassera, 12, Farida Begum,48,  wife of Fazlur Rahman Khan, residents of  Kokararchar village of  Shibchar upazila in  Madaripur district,  Zakia, 35 ,   wife of Zahirul Islam and her  daughter Rukaid Islam, 5, resident of Taktabunia village of Amtali Upazila Haldia Union in Barguna district.

The accident occurred when they were going to attend a wedding ceremony in Amtali Municipal Town on a microbus while crossing the connecting bridge of Chawra Union and Haldia Union of the upazila around 2:30 pm this afternoon as the bridge collapsed into the Subandhi river, leaving at least 20 people injured, officer-in-charge (OC) of Amtali Police Station Kazi Tofazzal Hossain Tapu said.

Later, fire service and police personnel rescued the injured and took them to Amtali Upazila Health Complex where on-duty doctor declared nine of them dead, he said.

Golam Sarwar Tuku, MP of Barguna-1 constituency and Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam visited the spot.

The bodies will be handed over to theirs family members after legal process, The OC added.


(Source: BSS)



Comment


Inside Bangladesh

Farewell darbar held for outgoing army chief

Publish: 02:12 AM, 23 Jun, 2024


Thumbnail

The outgoing Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed received farewell ‘darbar’ here today.

He also exchanged views with the military officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and other army personnel of different ranks, according to an ISPR press release.

Army personnel from all cantonments participated in the darbar through Video teleconferencing (VTC), the release added.

In his farewell address, the Army Chief expressed his special gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying that the Bangladesh Army has stood with its head high before the world today as a modern and smart force due to the sincere efforts of the premier.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to all concerned for their full cooperation during discharging duties.


(Source: BSS)



Comment


Inside Bangladesh

Over 17 lakh people marooned in Sylhet, Sunamganj floods

Publish: 02:07 AM, 23 Jun, 2024


Thumbnail

A devastating floods in Sylhet and Sunamganj inundated much of two northeastern districts leaving over 17 lakh people stranded and damaging standing crops and infrastructures.

 
Residents and officials of local administrations told BSS that 17,57,222 people have been marooned in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts as this year's second spell of flood submerged vast swaths of the two district creating huge suffering of the people.
 
Among the total people, who are marooned by flood water, 7.92 lakh people are in Sunamganj and 9.64 lakh people are in Sylhet, they added.
 
Officials of Sylhet district administration said the first spell of flood affected thousands of people in 13 upazilas and municipalities of Sytlhet district in late May and the flash flood prolonged first week of the current months leaving a large number of people marooned.
 
The authorities have set up 6,392 shelter centres after the second round of flood hit Sylhet and Sunamganj districts. As flood water started receding, people are going to home from shelter centres.
 
The Sunamganj district administration sources said flood water submerged 11 upazilas and Sunamgaj municipality.

Mayor of Sylhet City Corporation Anwaruzzaman Choudhury said, "Volunteer teams of city corporation are working to extend assistances for flood-hit people. We have arranged adequate amount of food at shelter centres."

A devastating flood, triggered by heavy rainfall and onrush water from hilly regions, have affected 20 lakh people in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts, according to a statement of UNICEF issued today.

 The statement, signed by Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, read among 20 lakh flood affected people in two northeastern regions - Sylhet and Sunamganj - 7.72 lakh are children.
 
The UNICEF called for emergency assistances for flood-hit children as they (children) are the venerable segment of the population in case of any natural disaster.

Sheldon Yett said, "When flood waters are in rising trend, unsecured condition has created for children. They face different problems including drowning, malnutrition and various water-borne diseases."

The UNICEF in cooperation with of Bangladesh government and other organization working at field level have distributed safe drinking water among one lakh flood-hit people in Sylhet and Sunamganj to reduce their suffering.

Alongside distribution of drinking water, the UNICEF also distributed over 10 litre capacity 3000 water pots for the people in food-hit regions.

According to the UNICEF statement, 810 primary schools in Sylhet Division have been submerged by flood water while 500 primary schools are used as shelter centre for flood-affected people. As many as 140 community clinics have been damaged by flood waters in the Sylhet region, it added.
 
 Water levels at 59 river stations monitored by Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) have marked rise while 48 stations recorded fall.

Among the 110 monitored river stations, two have been registered steady and water levels at seven river stations are flowing above the danger level, a bulletin issued by the FFWC said here today.

The Teesta River is flowing at 15cm above danger level at Kaunia station while the Surma at Kanaighat, the Kushiyara at Amalsad, at Sherpur-Sylhet and at Markuli, the Old Surma at Derai and the Someshwari at Kalmakanda are flowing 35cm, 15cm, 18cm, 39cm, 23cm and 34cm are flowing respectively.

The Ganges-Padma rivers are in rising trend, which may continue in the next 72 hours, the bulletin said, adding that the major rivers in the North-eastern region of the country are in falling trend which may continue in the next 72 hours.

Overall improvement of the flood situation in various low-lying areas under districts of the North-eastern part of the country may continue in the next 72 hours.

According to the information from meteorological organisations, low to medium rainfall in next 24 hours and medium to heavy rainfall in the next 48 to 72 hours is expected in the Northern and adjoining upstream parts of the country.

As a result, the water level of Dudhkumar, Teesta and Dharla rivers in those regions may fall in the next 24 hours which may rise in particular time in the next 48 to 72 hours.



Comment


বিজ্ঞাপন