Fire at Fazil Bepari Hat Bazaar in Kamalnagar causes loss of several lakhs of rupees

January 27, 2019

Amjad Hossain Amu, Kamalnagar (Lakshmipur):

Five shops and houses have been gutted in a massive fire at Fazil Bepari Hat Bazaar in Torabganj area of Kamalnagar, Lakshmipur.

The arson incident took place at 3 am on Sunday (January 27). Five shops in the market were gutted, causing damage worth several lakhs of taka. In addition, about 8-10 shops in the vicinity were also damaged. The affected shops include a grocery shop,
There was a poultry farm, a wooden furnisher, a CNG store. The CNG store had two CNGs and an autorickshaw.

Upazila Fire Service Leader Md. Ismail said that upon hearing about the arson, they immediately rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. However, the cause of the arson was not known.

Prime Minister invites Oikyafront to 'exchange good wishes'

January 27, 2019

Dhaka:

Awami League President Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has invited the National Unity Front, a coalition of several parties including BNP-Gano Forum, to Ganobhaban on February 2 (Saturday).

Oikyafront leader and Gono Forum General Secretary Mustafa Mohsin Montu told reporters this information on Saturday (January 26) evening.

Work underway to identify online scams: Information Minister

January 27, 2019

Dhaka:

Stating that online newspapers that truly deliver good news are needed in today's world, Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that if online registration is arranged in light of the broadcasting policy, the loopholes will be closed.

The Information Minister said this in response to questions from journalists after the ninth Newspaper Wage Board meeting at the Information Ministry's conference room at the Secretariat on Saturday (January 26).

The meeting, chaired by Obaidul Quader, head of the reconstituted committee for the implementation of the web board and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, was attended by the Information Minister, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, and State Minister for Culture KM Khalid.

Leaders of the Newspaper Owners Association (NOAB) were also present.

In response to the question of what measures you will have in place to deal with journalism being affected by many online media scams, Obaidul Quader said, "I am noticing."

And Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said, "I have said from the beginning about online, there are some online that truly provide good news. Which are needed. There is definitely a need for online. This is the reality of today's world."

"But there are some fake news sites online that are actually more involved in spreading propaganda than real news. We have identified these and have taken an initiative to register them when the broadcasting policy is in place. Information and data from many people have been collected. In light of the broadcasting policy, we have registered them and those that are fake news will be automatically phased out. Work is underway in this regard and we will do it soon."

Regarding the fact that accreditation cards are often issued in the name of self-proclaimed newspapers, the Information Minister said, "We discussed this issue today. We will revise these."

National unity needed, forgetting differences: Prime Minister

January 27, 2019

Dhaka: Three-time Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has called for national unity, forgetting differences. She also sought the cooperation of everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to move the country forward.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the call in her address to the nation at 7:30 pm on Friday (January 25). BTV, Bangladesh Betar and various private television stations broadcast the Prime Minister's address live. This is the Prime Minister's first address to the nation after the formation of the new government.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Now we need national unity. We have to forget our differences and move forward unitedly. The link of our unity will be the spirit of the Liberation War, non-communalism, democratic values, equality and justice, and development and progress. We have formed the government after the victory."

Highlighting Bangladesh's good relations with the outside world, Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh's relations with the outside world are stronger and deeper than ever.

Sheikh Hasina said that she will work for everyone, regardless of party affiliation, and said, "In the eyes of the government, all citizens of the country are equal, regardless of party affiliation. We will work for everyone."

Regarding the new cabinet, Sheikh Hasina said, "I have formed my cabinet with a combination of the young and the old. With the combination of the experience of the old and the enthusiasm of the young, we are determined to reach our goals."

He said, "I promise that I will try my best to repay the trust you have placed in me. For this, I seek the support and cooperation of all citizens of the country, regardless of party affiliation. With your cooperation, we will establish a non-communal golden Bangladesh free from hunger, poverty and illiteracy, as dreamed by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, InshaAllah."

Sheikh Hasina said, in the words of poet Sukanta Bhattacharya, I would like to say:
'As long as there is life in the body / I will remove the filth of the world with all my heart, / I will make this world habitable for this child - / This is my firm promise to the newborn.'

Calling on those elected from the opposition alliance to take the oath and join the parliament, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "The number of opposition members in the 11th parliament is very small. However, we will not consider them based on numbers."

He said, "No matter how small the number, any member's fair and reasonable proposal/discussion/criticism will be properly evaluated in Parliament. I urge the elected members of the opposition to join Parliament by taking the oath."

Highlighting the reasons for the Awami League's landslide victory, party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the Awami League's landslide victory in this election was highly expected. Before the election, domestic and foreign surveys also indicated similar results.

"You have seen the results of the survey by the London-based Economic Intelligence Unit and the Research and Development Centre. I would like to highlight some of the reasons for our landslide victory," he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted 15 reasons for the Awami League's huge victory in Motadag and 7 reasons for the BNP's collapse.

Commenting on the Awami League's implementation of its promises, party President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Awami League does not believe in the politics of words. We implement the promises we make. We have already implemented most of the promises we made before the 2008 and 2014 elections."

He said, "Ahead of the 11th parliamentary election, we have announced an election manifesto with the slogan 'Bangladesh, unstoppable in the march of prosperity'. I presented its summary to you while announcing the manifesto. Many of you have already read this document."

Expressing her commitment to implementing the manifesto, Sheikh Hasina said, "I want to assure you that this manifesto will serve as a guide in formulating any of our policies and implementing development programs."

Noting that the responsibilities have increased manifold after forming the government for the third consecutive time, the Prime Minister said, "This unconditional support this time has increased our responsibilities and duties many times over."

Reiterating her commitment to eradicate corruption, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "I know that there is discomfort at all levels of society regarding corruption. I urge those involved in corruption to rectify themselves. Corruption will be eradicated through strict enforcement of the law."
He said, "We have taken initiatives to eradicate corruption in various fields by expanding the use of information and communication technology."

Sheikh Hasina said that public participation is essential to stop corruption. Therefore, the work of creating public awareness against corruption will continue with the help of the media.

Stating that transparency, accountability and good governance will be established in government institutions, the Prime Minister said, "I will take initiatives to establish transparency, accountability and good governance in the government service sector and uphold the rule of law in all aspects of national life. The National Parliament will be the focal point for all decision-making."

Stating that the campaign against terrorism and drugs will continue, he said, "You have seen that we have already achieved success by adopting a zero tolerance policy and conducting campaigns against drugs, militant activities and terrorism. This campaign will continue."

Sheikh Hasina said, "We want to establish a peaceful society. Where there will be no violence, hatred, and strife. People of all religions, castes, and communities will be able to live in peace. Everyone will be able to practice their own religion with due dignity."

Stating that she has no personal demands, Bangabandhu's daughter said, "I have said it before, and I will say it again - I have no personal demands."

He said, "Despite losing my parents, brothers, relatives, and family, I am doing politics only to realize the dream of the Father of the Nation; for the welfare of the people of this country. My only goal in life is to ensure that the common people of this country can live well and have a prosperous life."

Sheikh Hasina said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib said: 'Great achievements require great sacrifice.' We are moving forward by following the path of sacrifice. I have dedicated my present to the future generations.

On January 7, the Awami League-led coalition formed the government for the third consecutive time with 24 ministers, 19 state ministers and three deputy ministers under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This is the fourth time that Sheikh Hasina has formed the cabinet.

Earlier, the Election Commission announced the results of 298 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies in the 11th National Parliament election on December 30. Of these 298 seats, 259 seats were won by the candidates of the Boat Party. The Awami League-led Grand Alliance won 288 seats.

On the other hand, the candidates of the BNP-led National Unity Front were able to win only seven seats under the paddy sheaf symbol.

Prime Minister to address the nation today

January 27, 2019

Sheikh Hasina will address the nation on Friday after taking office as Prime Minister for the fourth time.

The speech will be broadcast simultaneously on private TV channels and radio, including Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, at 7:30 pm.
This information was given in a press release signed by the Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim.

Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister for the first time after winning the election in 1996. The Awami League formed the government by winning the national elections in 2008 and 2014. Sheikh Hasina was the Prime Minister in both those terms.

Bangabandhu's daughter assumed office as the head of government for the third consecutive time and a total of four times after winning the 11th National Parliament election on December 30.

School teacher killed in Lakshmipur, road blocked

January 27, 2019

A school teacher named Mizanur Rahman Rubel, who was riding a motorcycle, was killed after being hit by a pickup van in Lakshmipur. The incident took place at 11 am on Thursday in an area adjacent to the Lakshmipur Road Division.

In protest, the protesters blocked the road for an hour by lying on the road near the petrol pump area on the Ramgati-Lakshmipur road and throwing tree trunks at the head of the Mia road. Later, the police arrived and brought the situation under control.
Eyewitnesses and police said that an unregistered pickup van leaving from Lakshmipur for Ramgati arrived at the scene and ran over Rubel, a motorcyclist coming from the opposite direction. At that time, his head was crushed by the wheels of the pickup van, and he died on the spot. Later, the agitators blocked the road. At that time, all the vehicles plying on that route stopped, causing hardship to the passengers.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased was handed over to the family from Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.

The deceased, Rubel, was the son of Din Mohammad of Abir Nagar area of the municipal city and an assistant teacher at Dakshin Tumchar Government Primary School. Sadar Police Station OC Mosleh Uddin confirmed the matter.

JSC answer sheet re-check results today

January 27, 2019

The results of the re-evaluation of the 2018 Junior School Certificate (JSC) and Junior Dakhil Certificate (JDC) examinations will be published today, Thursday (January 24). Lakhs of candidates who could not achieve the expected results have applied for re-evaluation. Most of these students, who are dissatisfied with the results, have applied for mathematics, English and science subjects. Most of the students have applied after being deprived of GPA-5 and Golden GPA-5. Although there is no such thing as Golden GPA Five officially.

A total of 2.23 million 829 students passed the JSC-JDC exams in the 2018 academic year. This year, the average pass rate was 85.83 percent. 68,095 students obtained GPA-5. In 2017, the pass rate was 83.65 percent. In 2018, the pass rate increased by 2.18 percent, but the number of students obtaining GPA-5 decreased.

Incidentally, the results of JSC and JDC were published on December 24. Although the pass rate of both exams increased slightly, all indicators were worse than last time.

The results of the re-examination will be communicated to the applicants via SMS on their respective mobile phones. It will also be posted on the education board's website.

A'League may keep candidacy open in upazila

January 27, 2019

Dhaka:

If BNP does not participate in the upcoming Upazila Parishad elections, the ruling Awami League may open the way for other party candidates to run against the party candidate. Also, the Awami League will not have any alliance in this election. The party will participate in the elections by fielding candidates on a party-by-party basis.

Talking to some leaders at the policy-making level of the Awami League, it is known that it is still unclear whether BNP will participate in the elections. However, in this case, the Awami League is moving forward with two types of strategies. If BNP participates in the elections, the party will ensure a single candidate at any cost. The party will be strict in ensuring a single candidate, just like in the recently concluded National Parliament elections. And if BNP does not participate, then it will be open. Along with the party marker candidates, others from the party will also have the opportunity to become candidates. Awami League will nominate one person and if someone else from the party wants to be a candidate, they can become an independent candidate. In this case, the party will not prevent them.

The Awami League leaders also said that there is no possibility of participating in the upazila elections as an alliance. The 14 parties led by the Awami League and the partners of the grand alliance will participate in the elections separately with their respective party candidates. Although BNP will participate in this election, the leaders said that the 14 parties will participate in the elections separately. The Awami League did not field candidates in the last upazila elections as an alliance either.

When asked about this, Awami League presidium member Kazi Zafarullah said, "There is no possibility of an alliance election. Upazila elections are local government elections. We will participate in this election alone. There are already many Awami League candidates. There is no chance of an alliance here."

Upazila Parishad elections will be held in several phases next March. This is the first time that upazila elections are being held in this manner since the introduction of party-based elections and party symbols at the local government level. After the national elections on January 5, 2014, upazila elections were held in several phases starting in February. After that, the government enacted a law to hold local government elections in a party-based manner.

Several sources in the Awami League said that the preparations for the upazila elections have already started to continue the trend of the absolute victory in the national elections. A letter has been sent from the center to the district and upazila committees to start the process of candidate selection for the post of chairman. The letter, signed by Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on January 19, was sent to the party's district and upazila committee presidents and general secretaries. It asked them to send the names of the chairman candidates for the upazila elections.

Based on the opinions of local leaders and activists, if possible, one candidate should be finalized and the names sent. Otherwise, it has been instructed to send the names of a maximum of three candidates. The names should be sent by January 20.

Sources further said that party candidates will be nominated through scrutiny based on the names sent from the upazila level. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that no one close to the MP or minister gets nominated, ignoring the opinions of relatives of the MP or minister or grassroots leaders and activists. For this reason, names have been asked to be sent from the upazila level with time in hand. After sending the names from there, they will also be scrutinized from the center.

In this regard, Awami League Presidium member Kazi Zafarullah said, there is a joint meeting of the Awami League Parliamentary Board and the Local Government Nomination Board next Saturday (January 26). In this meeting, the preparation issues and the issue of candidate nomination will be discussed and a direction may come. Work will be started accordingly. However, the interested candidates of our party have already entered the field.

Sheikh Hasina among world's top 100 thinkers

January 27, 2019

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been named among the world's top 100 thinkers. The influential US magazine 'The Foreign Policy' has published the names and descriptions of these thinkers in its 10th anniversary special edition.

According to the magazine, a list of 100 people has been prepared by selecting 10 best personalities in 10 categories, considering the overall situation in the world in the last 10 years. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made it to the list. The reason for her inclusion in the list is the incident of providing a place to live for the Rohingyas who fled Myanmar after being subjected to genocide and torture.
According to the news, Sheikh Hasina has made it to the 'Defense and Security' category. She has entered this list by attracting the attention of the world. Sheikh Hasina is after a Russian official in this short list of 10 people. Vladislav Surkov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is in eighth position. And Sheikh Hasina is in ninth position.

You can check if your mobile is legitimate via SMS.

January 27, 2019

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has launched a database to verify whether a mobile phone is legal or illegal, imported or locally manufactured. As a result, customers will be able to easily identify legal or illegal mobile phones by sending an SMS.

The IMEI database was inaugurated on Tuesday to ensure that no one gets cheated by buying an illegal set. The data center was inaugurated by Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar.

However, not all handset user information has been uploaded to the database yet. It will take some time. Only the sets that have been imported since January 1st are being uploaded to the database.
From now on, anyone who wants to check the information of their set by typing KYD followed by a space and sending the 15-digit IMEI number to 16002 will be informed in a return message whether their set is saved in the database or not. No registration is required to get the 'NOC Automation and IMEI Database (NAID) service. Not all the numbers currently used will be available in this database right away. Only from January 1, 2018, most of the IMEI numbers of legally imported and locally manufactured handsets are saved in this database. All the numbers will be entered into the database in phases.

Mustafa Jabbar said at the event, "This is a milestone moment in the history of information technology. Preventing the revenue loss caused by importing stolen handsets is not possible without technology, but it can be prevented now. Not only revenue, but also security will be ensured."