Reform commission makes 150 recommendations to bring transparency to electoral system
A few proposals will help to escalate the situation, commission chief saysThe Electoral Reform Commission has laid about 150 recommendations in wanting to make the “broken” election system “institutional and inclusive”, as well as bringing all stakeholders to accountability. The members of the electoral commission, led by its chief Badiul Alam Majumdar, filed the report. The reform commission is trying to restore the electoral system, which has already ‘collapsed’," he said. There are about 150 recommendations.”Badiul said there are also constitutional recommendations on some issues linked to reforming the electoral system. He said the draft of the laws has been prepared with an emphasis on strengthening and making the Election Commission effective.
Source:bd News24
January 15, 2025 13:50 UTC
India's struggling batters return to domestic cricket looking for form
Rohit has managed just one fifty in his last 15 Test inningsThe Ranji Trophy has benefited from an unexpected sprinkling of stardust with several big-name India batters returning to domestic cricket looking to find form after their horror run over the last three months. Rishabh Pant, whose natural aggression occasionally bordered on recklessness in Australia, will play Delhi's next match against Saurashtra. The exciting stumper-batter has not played a Ranji Trophy match since the 2017-2018 season. Kohli is yet to confirm his return to the tournament he last played in 2012 even though the Indian board has told players to return to domestic cricket to regain their form. India's next test assignment is a five-match series in England from June 20.
Source:bd News24
January 15, 2025 13:50 UTC
Preparations for polls aligned with CA’s 2025-26 timeline, says EC secretary
While the BNP has called for polls in the middle of this year, the Election Commission Secretariat says it is making preparations for elections no earlier than later this year. Election Commission, or EC, Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said preparations are underway for elections to be held between the end of 2025 and middle of 2026, aligning with a timeline proposed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. They also held a meeting with the EC secretary to discuss technical assistance for the electoral process. I believe that it is possible to hold elections midway through this year, meaning in July or August.”When asked about this, the EC Secretary said, "I am not in a position to give my opinion on this. ASSISTANCE FROM UNDPAfter meeting the UNDP delegation on Tuesday, Akhtar said, "We have sought cooperation from the UNDP regarding the election process.
Source:bd News24
January 15, 2025 06:28 UTC
Govt implements 18pc of ADP in six months
At least 17.97 per cent of the ADP was implemented from July to December, down 4.51 percentage points from the 22.48 per cent implementation rate in the previous fiscal year. However, ADP implementation picked up in the middle of the fiscal year. In December, Tk 157.87 billion was spent on development work, equivalent to 5.67 per cent of the ADP. The implementation rate was 5.42 per cent of the ADP in the previous fiscal year, with Tk 148.82 billion spent in December of that year. The ousted Awami League government passed the current budget with an allocation of Tk 782.88 billion for ADP.
Source:bd News24
January 15, 2025 06:21 UTC
Political storm in Dhaka upends Tulip’s ministerial career in UK
Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus also called for Tulip’s resignation, as did a host of organisations. Speaking to The Sunday Times, the interim prime minister criticised Tulip’s claims of innocence, highlighting the irony of her role as an anti-corruption minister while facing serious allegations. SUDDEN RESIGNATIONBBC wrote that Independent Ethics Advisor Sir Laurie Magnus had submitted his report to the UK prime minister on Tuesday. However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the UK prime minister had "dithered and delayed to protect" Tulip, according to BBC. As calls for her resignation grew louder, last week, Prime Minister Starmer once again expressed his full confidence in her.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 23:43 UTC
BD must carry out efforts to get post-LDC benefits in Europe: EU envoy
"Although the next preferential trade benefit, or GSP status, is different from the current "Everything but Arms, or EBA, facility", there is still scope for market expansion. "That means the business partners here and the Bangladesh government now must carry out huge activities. "Highlighting the beginning of the efforts through a comprehensive review of labour law, Miller said: "We would like to see that in the near future and hope that transparency will be maintained with the EU. In 2023, 20.70 percent of Bangladesh's total trade was with the EU alliance.Bangladesh exported goods worth $18.9 billion to the European market that year, in which the apparel sector played a major role. It depends on the progress of the readymade garments, textiles, and knitwear sector and environmental, social, and good governance.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 23:07 UTC
Interim government working with partners to return money smuggled out of Bangladesh: CAO
If proven to have benefited from embezzlement, the government hopes those assets will be returned to Bangladesh, it saysThe interim government is working to return the people's money that was laundered from Bangladesh during the previous government's tenure, the Chief Advisor's Office, or CAO, says. “He said properties and assets tied to stolen Bangladeshi funds, including those linked to individuals with connections to the previous regime, must be investigated thoroughly. The statement read, “The interim government is actively working with international law enforcement agencies to investigate and recover funds stolen from the people of Bangladesh. “The misuse of public resources in this and other projects has not only robbed the people of Bangladesh but also disrupted the country’s progress toward economic stability.”“The funds stolen from Bangladesh belong to its people. We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that justice is done," the statement read.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 21:31 UTC
Server glitch forces savings certificate sales suspension, resumption in ‘couple of days’
He expects the problem to be resolved within a couple of days, after which savings certificate transactions will return to normal. The server malfunction has led to the suspension of new purchases of savings certificates since Thursday. The central bank typically handles the sale and renewal of savings certificates, with large crowds usually observed until 2pm. Different savings certificate schemes are available for the lower middle class, people with limited incomes, women, the disabled, and retired officers and employees. Due to this investment, the government must pay interest to savings certificate holders every month, and thus, net sales are considered government debt.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 20:21 UTC
Reform commission proposes 47 recommendations for ACC
The reform process will include a national anti-corruption strategy paper, says commission chiefThe commission formed to reform the Anti-Corruption Commission, or ACC, has prepared a report containing 47 recommendations. Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, is heading the ACC Reform Commission, one of six commissions formed by the interim government, alongside those for the judiciary, police, and judiciary division. Iftekharuzzaman told bdnews24.com the report on the reform of the ACC has been prepared under two broad recommendations. He said the formulation of a national anti-corruption strategy paper and its implementation will also be part of the reform process. Multiple sources suggest the reform report may include proposals to amend the ACC Chairman and Commissioner Appointment Act.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 19:04 UTC
JnU students hold ‘complete shutdown’ programme amid hunger strike
Students at Jagannath University (JnU) have begun a ‘complete shutdown’ programme after a 24-hour hunger strike to push for their three-point charter of demands. Among their key demands is the call for the construction of the university’s second campus to be handed over to the army, reports UNB. After their 24-hour-long hunger strike failed to yield a response, the students locked the main entrance of the university and the Sajid Academic Building on Monday morning. Jagannath University received a cheque for nearly Tk 9 billion in July 2019 to implement the project, which is estimated to cost Tk 19.2 billion. Last week, they escalated their campaign by staging a hunger strike, demanding accountability and immediate action to fulfil the commitment.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 17:52 UTC
German defence minister arrives in Ukraine to send message of support
"The first and most important thing is to make it very clear psychologically and politically that we will continue to stand by Ukraine," said Pistorius upon arriving in Kyiv. He will meet the Ukrainian government to discuss further aid and will assess the military situation. Trump says he will quickly solve the war in Ukraine and has criticised the scale of US support for Kyiv. There is debate in Germany over Berlin's support for Ukraine ahead of a snap German election on Feb 23, particularly as the incoming Trump presidency is putting pressure on Europe to boost its own defences. He said he would discuss the question of industrial cooperation for arms productions in Ukraine, including how to support Kyiv in boosting capacity and conclude joint ventures.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:54 UTC
It's up to government, political parties to decide election timing, says UN
He made the statement while responding to a question on Tuesday about the BNP's demand to hold the 13th national election by the middle of this year. The UNDP delegation led by Lewis held a meeting with the chief election commissioner at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon. Asked about the possible timing of the polls, she said: “That’s outside of the scope of the election mission. It’s really a decision of the political parties and Muhammad Yunus’s government. To this end, the UNDP delegation will stay in Bangladesh for the next 10 days to meet with political parties, the Election Commission, civil society, teachers, and other stakeholders, she said.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:53 UTC
Students will receive all textbooks within February, says education advisor
Students across Bangladesh are expected to have all their textbooks in hand within February, Education and Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud has said. During a courtesy meeting with leaders of the Education Reporters Association of Bangladesh, or ERAB, at the Planning Commission on Monday, he shared updates on the progress of textbook distribution. “The officials working on textbooks had said all books would be delivered on time, but later we realised there was still much work to be done,” he said. The advisor continued, “Initially, we were facing difficulties with the supply of art paper, and there was also a shortage of paper. “However, with the help of student representatives, intelligence agencies, and others, the issue of art paper has been resolved.”He said there is still some shortage of art paper, but shipments are expected to arrive by the end of January.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:17 UTC
Dreadlocked Indian ascetics among 35mn who take holy dip in Maha Kumbh festival
Naga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaga Sadhus or Hindu holy men take a holy dip during the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, Jan 14, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNaked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the waters of sacred rivers in India on Tuesday, part of a large crowd of 35 million devotees who took the holy dip on the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, seeking absolution from their sins. "The crowd today was fantastic," said ascetic Rakesh Kumar after his holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Every 12 years, the festival is described as "maha" or great, as the timing is considered to render it more auspicious, drawing bigger crowds.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 15:08 UTC
No tension at Bangladesh-India border, situation stable: home advisor
Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said there is no tension along the India-Bangladesh border, describing the situation as relatively stable. “There is no tension at the border now. The advisor added that a meeting between the director generals of Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, and India's Border Security Force, or BSF, is scheduled for next month to discuss restoring peace. On the domestic front, Jahangir said there is no fertiliser shortage in the country. He warned, "If anyone tries to create an artificial shortage of fertiliser, action will be taken against them.
Source:bd News24
January 14, 2025 14:10 UTC