US Election-2024

US presidential election is too close to call

With just hours remaining until election day in the United States, pundits and the public alike are scouring public opinion polls for early signs of a result.

Harris vows Gaza peace, Trump tone darkens in final hours

Kamala Harris courted voters angered by the Gaza war while Donald Trump doubled down on violent rhetoric with a comment about journalists being shot as the tense US election campaign entered its final hours.

Keraniganj panic Hanif member arrested, sweets distributed

After the ban on the activities of the murderer Hasina`s Awami League, Hasina`s son Joy is busy getting American citizenship, and a kind of relief has started to return to the public mind after the secret escape of the joker President Abdul Hamid and the arrest of Ivy-Mumtaz. Besides, during the dictatorial era of the murderer Hasina, local Awami goons made the lives of ordinary people miserable. After the arrest of some of these panicked people, the people of the area are distributing sweets. One such panic is Hanif member, a member of Ward No. 1 of Shakta Union in Keraniganj and an identified land grabber fascist Hasina government Awami leader. The learned court sent Hanif member, a friend of the Awami League, to Keraniganj Central Jail after showing him the case of extortion, vandalism and land grabbing. It was learned on the spot that on May 5, at approximately 9 am, Hanif Member and his thugs vandalized Fazlul Haque`s house in Arshinagar area under Ward No. 1 of Shakta Union in Keraniganj and tried to seize land. At that time, when Fazlul Haque called on the triple line, the police came, rescued Fazlul Haque`s tenant and admitted him to the medical center, and after the police investigation, a case was filed at Keraniganj Model Police Station on May 6, 2025. Evading the eyes of the police, Hanif Member and his associates sought bail through the court. The Honorable learned court, after hearing the lawyers of both sides, ordered Hanif Member to be sent to Keraniganj Central Jail. As this news spread in the area, the locals of Keraniganj Sakta Union and Ward No. 1 celebrated and distributed sweets. After making inquiries in the Ward No. 1 area, it was learned that no one dared to say anything against him because he had good relations with local influential people. When people protested against him, people in Balurchar, Madhyarchar, and Waspur were subjected to senseless torture. Hanif Member is now a living terror in Keraniganj. The injured Laiju Akhter said that if they protested against him, they were subjected to torture. In 2018, the terrorists of Hanif Member, led by him, vandalized, looted, and burned my house on false charges. After seven long years, I returned to my home. Since the influential people and the police were on his side, he beat whoever he wanted and set fire to the house. He beat me unnecessarily. My husband was also beaten up because he protested. Now the people of Keraniganj are terrified of him. Although he is a disciple of Charmonai Huzur and the leader of the Keraniganj Islamic Movement, his behavior is the opposite. Meanwhile, the locals have complained that forcibly occupying land, building shops, and attacking ordinary people are Hanif Member`s daily companions. No one dares to say anything against him because of his good relations with local influential people. When they protest against him, people of Balurchar, Madhyachar, Waspur face unspeakable torture. Sekandar Ali, a resident of Balurchar area, said that not only Laiju, but also Hanif Member beats up anyone he wants without any reason. No one dares to protest against him. In this regard, Anwar Hossain Dablu, in-charge of Keraniganj Model Police Station, said that he was arrested on May 5, 2025, in a case of extortion, vandalism and land grabbing.

Pakistan returns Indian border guard captured after Kashmir attack

SAT Desk Pakistan returned a captured border guard to India on Wednesday, in a fresh sign of detente after a ceasefire ended four days of conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. The guard was captured a day after an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people and sparked tit-for-tat missile, drone and fighter jet attacks. No group claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack but India blamed Pakistan for backing it. Islamabad rejects the accusations and has called for an independent probe. "Purnam Kumar Shaw, who had been in the custody of Pakistan Rangers since 23 April 2025, was handed over to India," India`s Border Security Force said in a statement. The handover was "conducted peacefully and in accordance with established protocols," it added. Shaw`s wife Rajani had earlier told the Indian Express newspaper that she was confident he would come back. ‘I had lost hope’ "I had lost all hope," Rajani Shaw, who is pregnant, said. "But after the ceasefire, I became a bit positive, and I have full faith in God that my husband will return safely." On Tuesday, Pakistan`s army announced a new death toll from the fighting, saying India`s "unprovoked and reprehensible dastardly attacks" killed 40 civilians, including seven women and 15 children, and 11 military service members. India has said that 15 civilians and five soldiers died. Despite mutual claims on initial violations, the ceasefire still appeared to be holding on Wednesday. The flare-up in violence was the worst since the rivals` last open conflict in 1999 and sparked global shudders that it could spiral into full-blown war. The Pakistani military has said it downed five Indian jets, but has not admitted losing any aircraft of its own. India has not disclosed losing any aircraft. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a televised address to the nation Monday that Pakistan has chosen to attack rather than help it fight “terrorism.” "If another terrorist attack against India is carried out, a strong response will be given," he said. Modi wrote on X Tuesday that he had met with service members involved in the conflict. "It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomize courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation," he said. Pakistan`s foreign ministry said in a statement that it rejected Modi`s "provocative and inflammatory assertions" and his "propensity to fabricate misleading narratives to justify aggression." "Make no mistake, we will closely monitor India`s actions and behaviour in this regard in the coming days. We also urge the international community to do the same," it added. Militants have stepped up operations in the Indian side of Kashmir since 2019, when Modi`s Hindu nationalist government revoked the region`s limited autonomy and imposed direct rule from New Delhi. Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both countries, which have fought several wars over the territory since their 1947 independence from British rule.

BNP’s Farroque urges govt to recognise public sentiment, hold early election

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Wednesday urged the interim government to take immediate steps for holding the national election, sensing the pulse of the country’s people. “We urge you (CA) to understand the pulse of people. They want an election. Make all arrangements for the election soon,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting. The Bangladesh Nationalist Pharmacy Association arranged the program titled “Specific Roadmap for the Jatiya Sangsad Election and Reforms in the State Structure” at the Jatiya Press Club. Farroque alleged that the cohorts of the Awami League are trying to delay the election as part of a conspiracy against the interim government. "Hasina fled the country, but her associates remain. Identify these cohorts of the Awami League who are making sinister efforts to obstruct the election and take action against them," he said. The BNP leader said those who carried out the movement for the past 16 years and those who participated in the July-August mass uprising, have only one demand which is a fair election. “We want the election not to bring the BNP to power, but to restore people`s right to vote. That is why we have carried out a movement for 16 years," he said. Farroque said their party has long been calling upon the government to arrange the election as early as possible, but they are not taking to the streets like others to realise their demands. “Why would we wage a movement against you? It was us who installed you in the office. We have many demands from the government, but we don’t take to the streets for that,” he said. The BNP leader said that some political parties, who have already declared their candidates across the country and begun their election campaigns, criticize BNP for continually demanding the election. The BNP leader recalled how their party leaders and activists, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, endured repression, suppression and imprisonment for the restoration of democracy. He said Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s most popular leader, was not spared for her democratic struggle, as she faced attacks, imprisonment and repression. Farroque expressed serious concern over the killing of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a DU student and leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. “Suhrawardy Udyan, next to Dhaka Medical, BUET and DU, is a den for drugs, gambling, immoral activities and muggers. Doesn’t anyone see this?... One of our student leaders was killed. A probe body may be formed—but nothing will come of it,” he bemoaned. The BNP leader also slammed the government for allowing former president Abdul Hamid to leave the country. He concluded, saying: “Forming a probe committee after his departure is a ridiculous matter… Would an inquiry be able to bring him back?”

Police committed to performing duties with focus on human rights: IGP

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Wednesday said that the Bangladesh Police are committed to performing their professional duties while upholding human rights. “Bangladesh Police are fully aware of the importance of safeguarding human rights while enforcing the law, with a focus on transparency and accountability,” he said during a courtesy call by a high-level, three-member delegation from the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Organization, at the Police Headquarters. During the meeting, they discussed the human rights situation in Bangladesh and other relevant issues, according to a press release issued by the Police Headquarters.

Touhid calls for addressing funding gap of UN peacekeeping missions

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday expressed concern at the resource constraints of the UN peacekeeping missions and called for urgent international attention to address the funding gap. He made the call while speaking as a panellist at the high-level session of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial being held in Berlin, Germany, according to a foreign ministry press release issued in Dhaka. Hossain also called for enhanced action on ensuring the protection of civilians and safety and security of the peacekeepers in order to prepare for the challenges of future peacekeeping. The adviser stressed on partnerships among all stakeholders, including the host government, troops and police contributing countries, peacekeepers on the ground, and UN Secretariat at the time of bringing any change in the requirements of existing mandates. Hossain is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial being held in Berlin for Tuesday and Wednesday, 2025. The Bangladesh delegation also included Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Defence and National Solidarity Development Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, officials of the foreign ministry, Armed Forces Division and Police. The two-day meeting, the biggest conclave of peacekeeping nations, is being participated by delegates from 160 countries. On the sidelines of the event, the foreign affairs adviser also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts of Germany, Algeria, Costa Rica, Gambia, Guatemala, Tunisia, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Japan, and Malawi.

JnU students declare sit-in at Kakrail until demands are met

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Jagannath University (JnU) teachers and students have declared that they will not leave Kakrail until their demands are met. They have blocked the road leading towards Jamuna in the Kakrail area. At around 3:30pm on Wednesday, the teachers and students announced their sit-in on the road. At the time, they said the attack on their teachers and fellow students must be brought to justice. Meanwhile, over 100 people have been injured in a police attack on the demonstrating JnU teachers and students. Among the injured, at least 38, including students, teachers and journalists, are currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). The injured include: Redwan, 24; Asif, 20; Rahman, 22; Akib, 21; Arif, 22; Rafique, 25; Shafique, 25; Omar Faruk, 24; Arthib, 21; Apel, 21; Mujahid, 23; Raihan, 23; Faruk, 23; Abu Bakkar, 22; Newton, 20; Hanif, 22; Jibon, 22; Shahid, 20; Rasel, 22; Jisan, 22; Shahid, 24; Rasel, 23; Gaurab, 25; Abdul Mannan, 22; Nahid, 23; Jewel, 23; Mohon, 22; Sohanur Rahman Sani, 24; Masuma, 20; Sangram, 20; Baitul, 22; Raju, 22; Sumon, 22; Rajib, 22; Akash, 22; Subarno Assaif, JnU correspondent and JnU Press Club president, age not specified; Mahatab Limon, 23; Mehedi Hasan, 24. Additionally, Professor Dr Md Rais Uddin, general secretary of the university`s teachers’ association Professor Dr Md Rais Uddin, English department teacher Nasir Uddin, History department teacher Mohammad Bilal Hossain, and Assistant Proctor Naim Siddiqui were also injured. Professor Dr Rais Uddin, who was injured in the police attack, said: “We are deeply aggrieved by the government’s actions. An attack was carried out on our teachers and students. Over 100 students were injured. The police must be held accountable for this.” Earlier in the day, at 11am, JnU students began a long march towards the residence of the chief adviser with three demands. During the march, police charged batons, fired tear gas and sound grenades. Protesting students said that as soon as they crossed Matshya Bhaban and reached the intersection near Kakrail mosque, police launched an attack. At that time, the police fired tear gas, sound grenades, and sprayed hot water. The three-point demand of the protesters: From the 2025–26 fiscal year, 70% of JnU students must receive a housing stipend until a permanent housing solution is ensured. The proposed full budget for JnU for the 2025–26 fiscal year must be approved without any cuts. The construction of JnU’s second campus must be approved at the next Ecnec meeting and implemented as a priority project. Police have intercepted a protest march by Jagannath University (JnU) teachers and students as they headed towards the chief advisor’s official residence, charging batons and throwing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Law enforcers also hurled stun grenades and blasted water at the protesters, who backed away near the Kakrail Mosque on Wednesday. At least 25 people were injured in the process and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), according to officers at the DMCH police outpost. The JnU teachers and students launched the “March to Jamuna” procession from the campus around 11:30am on Wednesday with a three-point list of demands. These include 70 percent housing allowance, increase in budget and priority for all projects. When the procession approached Kakrail, police intervened, and a scuffle ensued. The protesters then tried to break through police barricades, prompting law enforcers to swing batons at them and later lob tear gas shells, stun grenades and blast water to fend off the protesters. The protesters subsequently retreated to the Matsya Bhaban intersection before returning for a sit-in at the Kakrail Mosque intersection. The protesters said they will continue the movement until their demands are met. The demands are: • Housing allowances for 70 percent of students until accommodation is ensured. • Full approval of the proposed budget for Jagannath University without any cuts. • Approval of the university`s second campus project in the next ECNEC meeting and its implementation on a priority basis. A delegation of JnU students and teachers went to the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday to present the list of demands. Met with no response, they announced a “March to Jamuna” protest under the banner of “July Unity”. Teachers from Jagannath University, along with student groups and cultural and political organisations, also took part in the demonstration.

Proposed ADP size for FY26 35,000C less than current allocation

The size of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for FY2025–26 has been proposed at Tk2,30,000 crore, which is Tk35,000 crore lower than the current fiscal year’s original allocation. The decision was finalized at an extended meeting of the Planning Ministry held on Tuesday, chaired by Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud. In the current fiscal year, the original ADP allocation stood at Tk2,65,000 crore, which was later revised downward. For the upcoming fiscal year, the draft ADP proposes that Tk1,44,000 crore will be sourced from domestic resources, while Tk86,000 crore will come from foreign project assistance. The programme will fund a total of 1,142 projects across various sectors. The transport and communication sector has received the highest allocation in the draft ADP, with Tk58,973 crore. It is followed by the power and energy sector with Tk32,392 crore, and the education sector with Tk28,557 crore. Other major allocations include: Housing and urban development: Tk22,776 crore Health: Tk18,148 crore Local government and rural development: Tk16,472 crore Agriculture: Tk10,795 crore Environment, climate change, and water resources: Tk10,641 crore Industry and economic services: Tk5,038 crore Science and technology: Tk3,894 crore Most sectors have seen reduced allocations compared to the current fiscal year, reflecting the government’s strategy to prioritize essential sectors while maintaining fiscal discipline. The final approval of the ADP is expected later this month at a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), to be chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Six killed due to lightning strikes in two districts

Three schoolgirls and three farmers were killed in two separate lightning strikes in two districts on Tuesday. The three schoolgirls and a farmer were from Pakundia and Mithamoin upazilas of Kishoreganj district, while two farmers were killed this morning while working in the fields in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila. The deceased are Irina, 15, daughter of Jalal Uddin, Priya, 15, daughter of Badal Mia and Barsha, 15, daughter of Borhan Uddin, residents of Charteki village under Pakundia upazila. They all are students of class nine of Charteki Girls School and College. The another deceased includes Kadu Mia, 35, son of Motaleb Mia, a farmer from Chamakpur Dakshin Hati in Ghagra union of Mithamoin upazila, Mirajul Islam, 25, son of Shahajzel Hossain from Paschim Bishyakhali village in Ganna union and Waliyar Rahman, 50, son of Khorshed Alam from Bhabanipur village in Maharajpur union of the upazila. Thunderbolt struck the three schoolgirls when they were returning home from school amid a stormy weather at 12pm. Later, they were rescued and taken to Pakundia Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared Irina and Priya dead. "Barsha also died while undergoing treatment at the hospital," said Md Sakhawat Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Pakundia police station. Besides, farmer Kadu Mia was injured in a lightning strike while working on a paddy field in Chamkpur Dakshin Hati area this afternoon. He was rescued and taken to Mithamoin Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared him dead, said Md Shafiul Alam, OC of Mithamoin police station. Two other farmers were killed in separate lightning strike incidents while working in the fields in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila Tuesday morning, confirmed Abdullah Al Mamun, officer-in-charge of Sadar police station. According to locals, Mirajul was struck by lightning around 11am while harvesting paddy on his farmland. He was rushed to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way. In a separate incident, Waliyar Rahman was hit by a thunderbolt while cutting paddy in Bhabanipur village. Bystanders immediately rescued him and taken to Sadar Hospital. However, he died on the way to the hospital. Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman, superintendent of Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, confirmed that both victims died as a result of lightning strikes.

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Keraniganj panic Hanif member arrested, sweets distributed

BNP’s Farroque urges govt to recognise public sentiment, hold early election

Police committed to performing duties with focus on human rights: IGP

Touhid calls for addressing funding gap of UN peacekeeping missions

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Proportional electoral system not possible in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka The proportional electoral system, which has come in the spotlight amid discussions of constitutional reform, is not possible in the context of Bangladesh, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said today (13 November). Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Thakurgaon`s Kalibari, he said, "We have rejected this electoral system. This system is not possible in the context of the country." Bangladesh currently uses the First Past the Post, or FPTP, system, where the candidate with the highest votes in an electoral constituency wins. The other system is the Proportional Representation system, where there are no constituency-based candidates. Voters cast their votes for party symbols, and the number of seats a party receives in parliament is determined in proportion to the percentage of votes it secures. At the conference, Fakrhul also urged for patience and unity among the people following AL`s "successful attempts to create divisions". "We want a united nation by removing this division. In a democratic society there can be different opinions. But there must be unity on the basic issues of Bangladesh`s independence — sovereignty, democracy, human rights. "As a nation, we must not be intolerant. It is not possible to remove the garbage of 17 years in 17 days or even 17 months. So, this government should be given time." Fakhrul said, "We have verified that the people want an impartial election with the participation of all. We think that all kinds of reforms are necessary to make this election fair. So we have been saying that elections should be held within a reasonable time. And this roadmap should be given to the government." On the issue of reforms, he said the government would not have to do most of those. "It will be done by a parliament which has been elected." At the conference, Fakhrul also warned that India`s continuous campaign against Bangladesh can pose a great danger. "Now a trend has started on social media. Some are trying to destroy the achievements of Bangladesh. We have to be careful as we cannot meet another disaster right now. There is danger over our heads as the mastermind of fascism is staying in India," he said. After the fall of the Awami League administration, several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have called for the introduction of the PR system in the national parliamentary elections.