From cracks of gunfire to cacophony of fireworks: Dhaka rings in 2025 with explosive celebrations
Dhaka shook once again on Tuesday night, but this time with the explosive sounds of celebration. Hours before midnight, isolated firecrackers exploded and fireworks began in parts of Dhaka. Right now, an announcement is being made on a microphone in East Shewrapara—'A newborn baby has died from the sound of fireworks. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police had issued a ban on fireworks days earlier. Though there’s widespread music in the alleys, the fear isn’t gone.”As in previous years, bans on fireworks, firecrackers, and floating lanterns proved ineffective.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 19:25 UTC
24 pieces of 2024: A year of tumult and transformation
As such, in the majority of the seats, the vote was between Awami League and independent candidates of the Awami League. In August 2022, she publicly rebuked the BNP, asserting that the Awami League, the party she helmed, would never retreat. The interim administration cancelled the new curriculum introduced by the Awami League and announced a return to the 2012 curriculum. Before these issues were settled, clashes erupted on Nov 20 between students of Dhaka College and Dhaka City College, injuring over 150 students. Dhaka College students demanded the relocation of Dhaka City College from the Science Laboratory area.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 18:39 UTC
Extrajudicial killings continue in Bangladesh even after July uprising: ASK, MSF
In the five months of the interim government, 98 alleged mob killings have been reportedExtrajudicial killings continue in Bangladesh even after July uprising: ASK, MSFThe 2024 human rights monitoring report by Ain O Salish Kendra, or ASK, and Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, or MSF, has revealed a wave of extrajudicial executions, despite commitments to end killings without trial. According to ASK, 12 people died in custody or were victims of extrajudicial killings during the first five months of the interim government, while MSF reported 98 deaths from mob lynching during the same period. EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGSASK report noted that while the frequency of extrajudicial killings has declined, these incidents continue to occur. The ASK report also emphasised attacks on minorities or political retaliation “cannot be considered acts related to protests”. The ASK report says there have been attacks against various media organisations in the country, including slander and threats of siege.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 17:02 UTC
Bangladesh Bank directs commercial banks to bolster fire safety measures
Bangladesh Bank has directed all commercial banks to bolster fire safety measures as a precaution following recent fire incidents causing extensive damage to lives, assets, and critical documents. The central bank's Banking Regulation and Policy Department issued a notification on Tuesday outlining the necessary steps banks must take to ensure fire safety. It instructed banks to verify and implement effective fire detection systems, including smoke and heat detection mechanisms, as well as fire alarms and extinguishing systems, to prevent fire hazards. It further mandated the installation of smoke and heat detection systems and fire alarms in all bank facilities. The instructions also highlighted the importance of implementing special security measures in sensitive areas, such as server rooms and key IT departments at headquarters.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 16:00 UTC
What happens when Russian gas supply to Europe via Ukraine ends?
Russian President Vladimir Putin says there is no time left this year to sign a new dealWhat happens when Russian gas supply to Europe via Ukraine ends? Here is what we know about options for when Russian gas transit via Ukraine stops. Slovakia has said the loss of Russian supply would not hit its consumption and that it has diversified supply contracts. As for Ukraine, its security of supply will not be impacted as it does not use Russian transit gas, the European Commission said. Transdniestria borders Ukraine and also receives Russian gas via Ukraine.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 14:02 UTC
Government warns officials against indiscipline amid promotion protests
The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a stern warning to civil servants, including administration cadre officials, against engaging in undisciplined activities amid ongoing protests over promotions to the rank of deputy secretary. The success of public administration depends on disciplined, responsible, and professional conduct by government employees. The protests began after the Public Administration Reform Commission proposed reducing the administration cadre’s quota for deputy secretary promotions from 75 percent to 50 percent, allocating the other 50 percent to officials from other cadres. The Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, representing administration cadre officials, protested the recommendation in a statement on Dec 25. Historically, the 1975 Service Act allowed for merit-based promotions, later amended to include quotas prioritising administration cadre officials.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 14:02 UTC
Chief minister of India's Manipur state apologises for ethnic unrest
REUTERS/Francis MascarenhasPeople sit inside a relief camp for displaced Meiteis after their homes and shops were set ablaze, in Borobekra, Jiribam in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, Nov 23, 2024. REUTERS/Francis MascarenhasThe chief minister of India's northeastern state of Manipur apologised on Tuesday for months of ethnic unrest that has killed at least 250 people and prompted criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's federal government. "This entire year has been very unfortunate," Singh told reporters in the state capital Imphal. "I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what's happening ... many people lost their loved ones. Kukis accuse Chief Minister Biren Singh, a Meitei and member of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of complicity in attacks on members of their community and have sought his removal.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 13:54 UTC
Anti-Corruption Commission to revive Padma Bridge graft case
The Anti-Corruption Commission is set to revive a graft case over the Padma Bridge project which was closed 10 years ago during the Awami League regime after the watchdog cited a lack of evidence. The case dossier said, “These accused, by conspiring to exchange bribes, arranged for the work of the supervisory consultant of the Padma Bridge project to be awarded to one of the bidders, SNC Lavalin International. The report found that no evidence of “corruption or conspiracy” was found in the construction of the Padma Bridge. On Oct 16, 2014, a Dhaka court accepted the final report submitted by the ACC and acquitted all seven accused. However, since some evidence was found in this regard, the commission has decided to investigate the case further.”
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 10:40 UTC
Multiple cold waves to hit Bangladesh in January, cold weather to persist
January 2025 will be colder than in previous years, says Meteorologist Muhammad Abul Kalam MallikThe Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast several cold waves in the first month of the new year. “At least one to three mild to moderate cold waves and one to two intense cold waves are likely to sweep through the country in January,” Mallick told bdnews24.com. Sharp cold weather will be felt throughout the month.”A cold wave is said to occur when the temperature is at or below 10 degrees Celsius. When the mercury drops below 6 degrees Celsius, it is assumed to be a severe cold wave. LOWEST TEMPERATURE 10.9 DEGREES IN TENTULIAPanchagarh’s Tentulia recorded the country's lowest temperature at 10.9 degrees Celsius in the 24 hours to 6am on Tuesday.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 07:47 UTC
Students gather at Central Shaheed Minar to take part in ‘March for Unity’
Students from across the country are flocking to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar to take part in the ‘March for Unity’ called by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement. The programme is set to start at 3:00 pm on Tuesday. Students and members of the public could be seen leading small processions in the Dhaka University and Shaheed Minar areas before gathering at the monument. “Many students have come together on behalf of our university,” he said. We hope for the success of today’s programme.”At 1:45am on Tuesday, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement announced the ‘March for Unity’ programme to be held at the Central Shaheed Minar at 3pm from its offices in Dhaka’s Bangla Motor area.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 07:25 UTC
Primary schools to get 76 holidays in 2025
The government primary schools will have 76 days of holidays in 2025 in addition to the weekend on Friday and Saturday. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education approved the list of 76 holidays for government primary schools in 2025. “The Directorate of Primary Education proposed a list of 76 holidays. Three days of holidays have been reserved at the discretion of the headmaster in 2025. Approval from the Upazila or Thana primary education officer will be required for those holidays.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 06:00 UTC
Shipping workers call off strike over justice for seven murders
Shipping workers call off strike over justice for seven murdersThe indefinite strike called by the shipping workers nationwide demanding justice against the killings of seven crew members aboard the MV Al-Bakhera ship in the Meghna River in Chandpur has been called off. The decision to suspend the industrial action came after a meeting with the leaders of the Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation, at the office of the Department of Shipping in Dhaka on Saturday night. The department’s Director General Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam told bdnews24.com, “The water vessel workers announced to return to work by suspending the strike from the night after the discussion.”The shipping workers federation launched a nationwide strike from Thursday midnight, demanding justice for those involved in the killings of seven crew members on the ship and compensation. The shipping department DG said the demands of the workers were discussed and the families of the deceased workers were assured of compensation. After discussions, they agreed to call off the strike.”Shah Alam, president of Bangladesh Water Transport Workers Federation, told bdnews24.com: “After discussions, it was decided to suspend the strike and the workers will join work from the night.”Source: The Financial Express
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 04:09 UTC
India's Adani Green CEO to step down for new role in group
Amit Singh, who has previously worked as a director at the oilfield services company SLB, was appointed as Adani Green's CEO in May 2023India's Adani Green CEO to step down for new role in groupElectric power transmission pylon miniatures and Adani Green Energy logo are seen in this illustration taken, December 9, 2022. REUTERSElectric power transmission pylon miniatures and Adani Green Energy logo are seen in this illustration taken, December 9, 2022. REUTERSAdani Green Energy's chief executive officer Amit Singh will step down to take up the role of the chief of the international energy business of the Adani Group, the renewable energy firm said, opens new tab on Monday. The Adani group has called the charges "baseless". However, the indictment had major ripple effects with French oil major TotalEnergies pausing investments in the group, Adani Green shelving a $600 million bond issue, and credit rating agencies flagging risks to the group's access to funding.
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 03:43 UTC
Michael Chakma files complaint with ICT against Hasina
United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) leader Michael Chakma has filed a written complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and eight others over his enforced disappearance, reports bdnews24.com. He submitted the complaint on Monday morning, said ICT Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud. Earlier on Dec 18, Michael filed a verbal complaint with the ICT, stating that Hasina and others subjected him to an enforced disappearance for five years. According to the media reports, Michael was imprisoned in the 'Ayna Ghor', the secret detention cells under the control of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). UPDF Central Vice President Nutan Kumar Chakma said: "Michael Chakma was picked up and imprisoned for more than five years on the orders of the fascist Awami League government."
Source:bd News24
December 31, 2024 00:22 UTC
17, including Forest Department workers, abducted from Teknaf hill
Seventeen people, including three Forest Department workers, were abducted from Teknaf's hilly Jadimora area in Hnila union at around 10am today (30 December). The three kidnapped forest workers were identified as Saiful Islam, 22, Syed Ahmed, 50, Mohammad Rafiq, 40. In today's incident, UNO Ehsan said the workers had gone to plant saplings on Jadimora hill when they were abducted. "This morning, 24 people, including the three forest workers, went to the hills to plant saplings of various trees. Forest Department's Teknaf Range Officer Abdur Rashid said the police, Armed Police Battalion, Rapid Action Battalion, and locals were jointly engaged in the rescue operation.
Source:bd News24
December 30, 2024 20:43 UTC