Unidentified woman dies after being hit by train in Narsingdi

December 20, 2022

Md. Mobarak Hossain, Narsingdi Correspondent:

An unidentified elderly woman (50) died after being crushed under a train in Raipura, Narsingdi. The accident occurred near the western side of Methikanda Railway Station in Raipura upazila of Narsingdi district on Tuesday (December 20) afternoon.

Police and locals said that an unidentified elderly woman was walking along the railway tracks at around 11:30 am on Tuesday. At that time, the Dhaka-bound Kalni Express train leaving Sylhet ran over her and her body was cut into pieces. She died on the spot. Later, after receiving information, the railway police recovered her body from the spot at around 2:30 pm.

Narsingdi Railway Police Outpost In-charge Sub-Inspector Saiful Islam said, "Upon receiving information, the body of an unidentified woman was recovered from the scene. The body is being sent to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. The PBI is working to identify the body."

Attempted rape of 5-year-old child by luring her with civet

December 20, 2022

Md. Badiuzzaman (Tuhin), Noakhali Correspondent:

A 5-year-old child has been accused of attempting to rape her in Kabirhat Upazila of Noakhali by promising her Civit tablets. The victim is currently undergoing treatment at the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital.

The incident took place in Mirzanagar village of Narottampur union in Kabirhat upazila.

The accused in this incident, Saju (23), is the son of Bashar Amin of the same house and is an electrician by profession.

The victim's mother said that on Monday (December 19) at 11 am, the victim was playing in front of Sajud's house in the same house. At that time, Saju took her to his house with two CVs. There, he tried to rape her by stripping her naked. The child got scared and ran to her house and told her mother about the incident. At that time, when her mother informed the others in the house, Saju ran away. In the afternoon, the victim was admitted to the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital for treatment.

Noakhali General Hospital Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr. Syed Mohiuddin Abdul Azim confirmed the matter and said, "The victim is currently undergoing treatment. He has undergone necessary tests. Necessary treatment will be provided based on the report."

Kabirhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rafiqul Islam said that police were sent to the spot as soon as they were informed about the incident. The police are also in touch with the victim's family at the hospital. Legal action will be taken based on their complaint.

The country deviated from the ideal of victory through the August 15 massacre.

December 20, 2022

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has commented that Bangladesh has deviated from the spirit of independence and the ideals of victory with the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family on August 15, 1975.

He made these comments while participating in the BGB Day program at Peelkhana in the capital on Tuesday (December 20).

Expressing regret over the 2009 Peelkhana massacre at the event, Sheikh Hasina urged BGB members to follow the chain of command.

The Prime Minister also said that border security, crime prevention, and the safety of people's lives and property have become easier than ever before.

At the event, the head of government said, "Not a single person will be homeless in the country of Bangabandhu. We have made arrangements for those who are homeless to stay. The country has achieved food self-sufficiency."

Stating that the world is in economic recession due to Corona and the Ukraine war, Sheikh Hasina said, "Everyone must be careful so that the recession does not come to our country. We must ensure that not even an inch of land remains empty anywhere in the country. We must hold our heads high in the court of the world by producing food."

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground of the BGB headquarters at around 10 am. After that, she toured the entire parade ground and received the greetings of the Home Minister, BGB DG, BGB officers and the guests present. With the permission of the Prime Minister, the BGB parade began later. In recognition of their heroic and meritorious contributions, the Head of Government presented medals to BGB members and later participated in a special courtroom for BGB members.

VAT harassment allegations! Traders protest by closing shops in Lakshmipur

December 20, 2022

Aggrieved traders in Lakshmipur city have closed their shops and protested against alleged harassment by VAT officials.

On December 19 (Monday) at around 3:30 pm, district customs, excise and VAT officials conducted a raid in the Azim Shah Market area of the city. During this, the traders alleged that the cash of the businessmen was opened and the account books, cash memos and order copies were forcibly taken away. The traders closed their shops and protested on the streets. At one stage, the general secretary of the Traders' Association, Abul Kalam Azad, assured them of a solution to the issue, but the traders withdrew their protest.

It is learnt that in the afternoon, 4/5 members including Assistant Revenue Officer Muhammad Shahadat Hossain and 4/5 members led by JM Shoaib Rumi, Officer-in-Charge of Lakshmipur Divisional Customs Excise and VAT Office, launched a raid in Lakshmipur town. During this, they raided establishments named Riya Enterprise, New Lakshmipur Purda Gallery, Meghna Enterprise and Mac World and forcibly took away account books, cash memos and order copies.

Local businessmen said that VAT officials suddenly entered their shop without any reason in the name of a raid on their establishment. During this time, the officials took away the company's accounts and necessary documents. Businessman Mohammad Bablu said, I was not in the shop when VAT officials entered my establishment. At this time, the employees asked me to wait a little. But without waiting, they took away all the documents including the accounts of my shop and misbehaved with the employees.

New Lakshmipur Curtain Gallery Proprietor Mohammad Hasan said, "VAT officials entered my establishment and misbehaved with the employees. During this time, they took important documents from the cash of my establishment. According to the rules, VAT officers do not have the right to touch the cash of a business establishment. I want justice for these officials."

Abul Kalam Azad, general secretary of Lakshmipur Traders' Association, said, "The traders were angry over the VAT raid and closed their shops and took to the streets in protest. At that time, we calmed the aggrieved traders and talked to the VAT officials. I hope the problem will be resolved."

JM Shoaib Rumi, officer-in-charge of Lakshmipur Divisional Customs Excise and VAT Office, said, "We brought account books, cash memos and order copies from some business establishments. However, no one was misbehaved."

Housewife gives birth to 3 children at once in Faridpur

December 20, 2022

Faridpur District Representative-

A housewife named Asia Islam Amy has given birth to triplets at the same time in Faridpur. The triplets were born through a cesarean section at Faridpur Children's Hospital on Monday (December 19) at around 2:45 pm.

Housewife Asia is the wife of Md. Nazmul Hasan, an assistant teacher at Faridpur Police Lines School and College.
Teacher Nazmul Hasan said, "After one and a half years of marriage, three children were born in our house. Of these, two are sons and one is a daughter. The mother and all three children are healthy."

In this regard, Faridpur Children's Hospital doctor Dr. Sultana Begum Lipi said, "Asia Islam underwent a cesarean section in the afternoon. She gave birth to three children at once. They are admitted to the Children's Hospital. The three newborns and the mother are healthy."

2nd general meeting of research organization Bangladesh Study Trust (BST) held

December 20, 2022

Md. Badiuzzaman (Tuhin), Noakhali Correspondent:

The meeting was held on the afternoon of December 19 at a hall in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by the Vice-Chairman of the Trust, Ishtiaq Ahmed Chowdhury, and the former founding chairman of the Bangladesh Study Trust and Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen MP was present as the chief guest.

The General Secretary of the Trust, Professor Dr. Mamun Al Mahtab (Swapnil), presented the activities of the organization in the past days at the general meeting. In the general meeting held under the chairmanship of Organizing Secretary THM Jahangir, Professor Dr. Uttam Kumar Barua spoke about the agenda of the coming days. On the proposal of the former Chairman of the Trust, Dr. AK Abdul Momen MP and with the unanimous consent of all the members present at the general meeting, the recently former Vice-Chancellor of the National University, Professor Dr. Harun-or-Rashid, was appointed as the Chairman, renowned social organizer, executive editor and researcher of Dainik Bangladesh Samachar, THM Jahangir, was appointed as the General Secretary, and Assistant Proctor of the Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University, Professor Dr. A new executive committee of 27 members was formed with Mahbubur Rahman Litu as the organizing secretary. The committee includes former UK Ambassador Abdul Hannan as vice-chairman, Sonali Bank director Ishtiaq Ahmed Chowdhury as vice-chairman, former executive director of the Law and Arbitration Center, eminent human rights activist Shipa Hafiza as vice-chairman, former director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital Professor Dr. Uttam Kumar Barua as vice-chairman, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Liver Department Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Al Mahtab (Swapnil) as vice-chairman, Dainik Bhorer Kagoj editor Shyamal Dao as vice-chairman, freedom fighter Dr. Jahangir Habib Ullah as joint-general secretary, The Bangladesh Diary editor and publisher Dr. Khan Asaduzzaman as joint-general secretary, Jagannath University Bangla Department Chairman Professor Dr. Milton Biswas is the Education Affairs Secretary, Social Activist and Researcher Helal Uddin is the Human Resources Development Affairs Secretary, Accounting Technologist co-founder Fahadan Hossain Farabi is the Finance Secretary, Medical Researcher Dr. Samia Ahmed is the International Affairs Secretary, Journalist Anhar Shamshad is the Publicity and Publication Secretary, Assistant Professor of Tejgaon College Mostafizur Rahman Munna is the Literary and Cultural Secretary, Fashion Designer Badrun Nahar is the Roxy Office Secretary for Bangabandhu Affairs. The executive members are Powercell Director General Engineer Mohammad Hossain, Former District Judge Mahmud Jahangir Alam, Former Dean of the Chemistry Department of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Nilufar Nahar, Hero Freedom Fighter Abdul Majid Chowdhury, Publisher and Researcher Mostafa Jahangir Alam, Distinguished Social Worker Abdul Khaliq, Managing Director of Farazi Hospital Dr. Moktar Hossain, Organizer and Researcher Romana Afroza, CEO of Channel S Sujit Chakraborty.

Al Najat Foundation's winter clothing distribution

December 20, 2022

Md. Badiuzzaman (Tuhin), Noakhali Correspondent:

On December 19, Md. Sadequr Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Companyganj Police Station, distributed winter clothes to the students of We for You Pathshala, South Mushapur Closure, Noakhali. Present at the event were We for You President Himel Ahmed, General Secretary Ibrahim Sayem, We for You and Al Najat Foundation members, teachers of the pathshala and local dignitaries.

Disabled teenager raped in Faridpur, orders dismissal of Deputy Chief Azad
December 20, 2022

Faridpur District Representative-

Azad Molla, the office-cum-guard of Barnichar Government Primary School, has been ordered to be temporarily removed from his post over the rape of a disabled teenager in Boalmari Upazila of Faridpur.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Abu Ahad Mia gave this order on Monday (December 19) afternoon. Earlier, the incident took place on Saturday (December 17) at around 9:30 am.
Confirming the matter, Sanwar Karim, headmaster of Barnichar Government Primary School, said that after receiving the instructions, a meeting of the school's managing committee has been called on December 21 at 11 am. The decision taken by the Upazila Education Officer (TEO) and the managing committee in the meeting will be effective.

The school's managing committee president, Md. Anichuzzaman, said that a meeting of the managing committee has been called on the morning of December 21 regarding the incident. A decision will be taken against the office bearer, Azad Molla, at that meeting.
In this regard, Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Abu Ahad Mia said that instructions have been given to temporarily remove office worker and security guard Azad Molla from his post in this incident. Accordingly, a meeting has been called at the school on December 21. Action will be taken against him in the meeting.

According to local sources, on Saturday morning, Azad Molla, an office worker and security guard at Barnichar Government Primary School, raped a disabled teenager. During this, the teenager bit Azad and tore off most of his penis. Locals rescued Azad in his injured condition and admitted him to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital in Faridpur. From there, he was sent to Dhaka on the same day.

The first parliament of the year is set to convene on January 5.
December 20, 2022

President Md. Abdul Hamid has called the 21st session of the National Parliament on January 5, 2023. As per the rules, the President will address the Parliament on the opening day of the session.

This information was given in a notification signed by the Secretary of the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat and Parliament Secretary, Law Branch-1, K.M. Abdus Salam on Monday (December 19). The President has called this session under the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 72 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

There is a constitutional obligation to convene the next session within 60 days of the end of a session. Therefore, this session will be shortened, according to sources in the Parliament Secretariat.

Earlier, the 20th session of the 11th National Parliament concluded on November 6. There were a total of six working days in this session, starting from October 30 and ending on the last day. In addition to carrying out work related to lawmaking, 91 notices were available under 71 rules of procedure.

The number of two-minute discussion notices under Rule 71(a) is 30. A total of 44 questions were received for the Prime Minister to answer, out of which he answered 14 questions. Out of a total of 1,013 questions received for the ministers of various ministries to answer, the ministers answered 439 questions. Four bills were passed in this session. Two standing committee reports were presented. In addition, members of Parliament discussed the point of order on the occasion of 'Jail Murder Day' on November 3, 2022.

BNP announces 27-point outline to repair state structure
December 20, 2022

BNP has announced a 27-point outline to repair the state structure.

Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a member of the party's highest policy-making forum, the National Standing Committee, announced the outline at a press conference at the Westin Hotel in the capital at 3 pm today.

Brief outline of state structure repair:

1. A "Constitutional Reform Commission" will be formed to repeal/revise all unreasonable, controversial and undemocratic constitutional amendments and changes adopted by the current illegal Awami League government.

2. An inclusive “Rainbow Nation” will be established on the basis of Bangladeshi nationalism, as opposed to the politics of revenge and revenge. For this, a “National Reconciliation Commission” will be formed.

3. An “election-time non-partisan caretaker government” system will be introduced.

4. Balance will be brought to the executive power of the President, Prime Minister, and the Cabinet.

5. No one can serve as President and Prime Minister for more than two consecutive terms.

6. An “Upper House of the Legislature” will be introduced in the National Parliament to govern the state with the integration of expert knowledge. In order to ensure the opportunity for members of parliament to express their opinions freely,

7. The issue of amending Article 70 of the Constitution will be examined and examined.

8. The current “Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Appointment Act, 2022” will be amended.

9. All state, constitutional and statutory institutions will be restructured. Appointments will be made to constitutional and important positions in all these institutions, subject to the dating of the parliamentary committee through hearings.

10. Effective independence of the judiciary will be ensured. A "Judicial Commission" will be formed to reform the current judicial system.

11. An "Administrative Reform Commission" will be formed to restructure the administration. 12. A "Media Commission" will be formed to carry out overall media reform.

13. There will be no compromise on corruption. A white paper will be published investigating money laundering and corruption. An “Ombudsman” will be appointed as per the constitution.

14. The rule of law will be established at all levels. Human rights will be implemented in accordance with the Universal Human Rights Charter.

15. An "Economic Reform Commission" will be formed consisting of experts.

16. Based on the principle of "religion to each his own, the state to all", every religious adherent will enjoy the full right to practice his or her religion.

17. Fair wages for working people will be ensured in light of inflation. 18. All old laws, including the immunity law, will be repealed in the electricity, energy and mineral sectors.

19. In foreign relations, the national interests of Bangladesh will be given the highest priority. No terrorist activity will be tolerated within the territory of Bangladesh. No, and no terrorist activity will be sheltered. Strict measures will be taken against terrorism, militancy and extremism. If the mischievous attempts to suppress dissenting forces and political opposition parties by using terrorism as a political shield or tool through the misuse of the anti-terrorism law and labeling it as terrorism are stopped, it will be possible to identify the real terrorists and bring them under the law and punish them.

20. To protect the sovereignty of the country, the defense forces will be energized and built with the highest spirit of patriotism.

21. With the aim of comprehensive decentralization of power, local government institutions will be made more independent, stronger, and empowered.

22. A list of martyrs of the Liberation War will be prepared on a state initiative and they will be given appropriate state status and recognition.

23. Modern and up-to-date youth development policies will be formulated, reflecting the vision, thoughts and aspirations of the youth community.

Unemployment allowance will be provided to educated unemployed persons for one year or until employment is found, whichever comes first.

Consideration will be given to increasing the age limit for entry into government service in line with international standards.

24. Specific programs will be taken to ensure women's empowerment. Women will be given priority in principle in nominations to the National Parliament.

25. Need-based and knowledge-based education will be prioritized.

26. Based on the principle of "Health for All", universal healthcare will be introduced on the model of the UK's 'NHS'.

27. Fair prices for agricultural products will be ensured.

Other thematic reform proposals and development programs will be published in due course.

Present at the time were BNP Standing Committee members Jamiruddin Sarkar, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Nazrul Islam Khan, Begum Selima Rahman, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Vice Chairman Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Nitai Roy Chowdhury.

Chairperson's Advisory Council members Zainul Abdin Faruk, Aman Ullah Aman, Mizanur Rahman Minu, Habibur Rahman Habib, central leaders Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Mahbubey Rahman Shamim, Bilkis Jahan Shirin, Shyama Obaid, Anindra Islam Amit, Asaduzzaman, Zahir Uddin Swapan, Shammi Akhtar, BNP Chairperson's Media Wing members Shamsuddin Didar and Shairul Kabir Khan were present.