Live Tv
Rtv Plus
Interim Government’s 3-Month Milestone: Achievements & Challenges Ahead
Rtv News
09 Nov 2024, 08:30
File Photo
The movement demanding quota reform, which began in July, concluded on August 5 with the fall of the Awami government. Following appeals by anti-discrimination student activists, an interim government was established under Nobel Laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Now, three months have passed since this government began its journey on August 8.
During this eventful period, the interim government has undertaken several initiatives, including establishing six commissions for state reform and efforts to restore discipline in the financial sector, particularly in the banking industry. Alongside these reforms, they’ve faced challenges like law enforcement breakdowns, mob justice, recurring protests, extortion on roads, market syndicates, the Secretariat blockades by Ansars, and the resignation of President Md. Sahabuddin.
While some stability has been achieved, the major challenge remains making the market affordable. The armed forces have been deployed for two months to maintain judicial authority and are regularly monitoring the markets. However, consumer rights still suffer under the grip of old syndicates.
One of the key focuses of the interim government is state reform, with six commissions (public administration, judiciary, law and order, election, constitution, and anti-corruption) already in action. The search committee has commenced its work to form the Election Commission.
In the banking sector, efforts to restore order are beginning to show results. To ensure freedom of expression, the government has decided to repeal the controversial Cyber Security Act and has started trials for genocide cases in the International Crimes Tribunal. The annual National Mourning Day has been omitted.
Key Areas of Focus for the Interim Government
The government has emphasized:
- Conducting an independent UN-led investigation into the July and August killings, inviting the UN Human Rights Office to lead this effort.
- Creating a complete list of martyrs and injured individuals, establishing the "July Martyrs Memorial Foundation" to provide long-term care for the injured and support for martyrs' families.
- Restructuring boards to free banks from the control of major defaulters and corrupt business groups.
- Compiling a list of 150 influential people accused of corruption and money laundering, with investigations launched against 79 of them.
- Revoking the provision allowing undeclared (black) money to be legalized with a 15% income tax rate.
- Halting all activities under the Indemnity Act (Electricity and Fuel Rapid Supply Increase, 2010) and freezing any executive orders on electricity and gas price increases without public hearings.
- Signing international charters to protect individuals from enforced disappearances and forming a commission to investigate disappearances during the previous government’s tenure.
- Establishing a committee to draft a white paper on the country’s overall economic condition.
Political Pressures and Challenges Ahead
The interim government now faces pressure from political parties to complete reforms quickly and hold free and fair elections. Chief Advisor has held dialogues with political parties, who have requested an election and reform roadmap. However, no roadmap has been provided yet.
Experts note that while steps have been taken toward establishing good governance, enhancing transparency in the financial sector, and dismantling unethical business syndicates, achieving all this within such a short period is challenging. Despite this, progress has been made on several issues. Nevertheless, maintaining public trust in the government, which carries the hopes of a vast population, remains the biggest challenge ahead.
Comments
Honoring Heroism: Armed Forces Day 2024 Celebrates Sacrifice and Service
On the occasion of the Armed Forces Day 2024, the President and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Md. Shahabuddin, and the Chief Adviser, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, have issued separate messages. This information was shared in a press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR states that, in honor of the members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in the great Liberation War of 1971, the President and the Chief Adviser will lay wreaths at the Shikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday morning (November 21).
Afterward, the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, will each lay wreaths at the Shikha Anirban on behalf of their respective forces.
Additionally, the Chiefs of the three Armed Forces will meet the Chief Adviser at the Armed Forces Division and the President at the Bangabhaban in courtesy calls.
On Armed Forces Day 2024, the Chief Adviser will honor the awarded freedom fighters and their heirs at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment. During this time, the Chief Adviser will distribute tokens of appreciation and exchange greetings with the awarded freedom fighters.
The ceremony will be attended by the Advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant (Defense and National Integration Development), the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, the Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and other senior civilian and military officials.
The ISPR further reported that, to mark the day, the Chief Adviser will host a reception at the Sena Kunjo in Dhaka Cantonment at 4:00 PM on November 21. Notable guests at the reception will include the Chief Justice, former Presidents, former Chief Advisers, Advisers, and high-ranking individuals, foreign ambassadors, heads of international organizations, judges, the Secretary of the Cabinet Division, the Chief Secretary, former Chiefs of the Armed Forces, retired military officers, recipients of the Independence Award and the Ekushey Padak, journalists, academics, political and prominent figures, the coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, heirs of all Bir Shrestho (heroes) of the Liberation War, awarded officers and their heirs residing in Dhaka after the war, senior civilian officials, and serving and retired officers of the Armed Forces. The event will be broadcast live by Bangladesh Television.
In addition to Dhaka, similar reception programs will be organized at military garrisons or bases in Barisal, Cox’s Bazar, Bogura, Sylhet, Ghatail, Chittagong, Jessore, Rangpur, and Khulna under the management of the relevant Area Headquarters.
Meanwhile, to observe the day with due respect, various programs will also be held at military garrisons, naval ships and installations, and air force bases across the country. Specially decorated naval ships in Dhaka, Khulna, Chandpur, Barisal, and Chittagong will be anchored at nearby docks for public viewing from 2:00 PM until sunset on November 21.
To highlight the significance of Armed Forces Day, Bangladesh Television aired a special program titled "Bishesh Anirban" after the 8:00 PM Bengali news on Wednesday (November 20). Bangladesh Betar will broadcast the “Bishesh Durbar” program at 7:30 PM on Thursday (November 21). Additionally, the "Bishesh Anirban" program will be broadcast later on private TV channels.
On the occasion of the day, special supplements have been published in various national newspapers in both Bengali and English on November 21. Furthermore, writing and drawing competitions have been organized in educational institutions run by the Armed Forces.
Army Chase Auto-Rickshaw Drivers in Mohakhali
Battery-run rickshaw pullers have blocked roads and railways in Dhaka's Mohakhali. They are blocking the road demanding that rickshaws be allowed to ply on the roads.
In addition to blocking traffic in Mohakhali, they stopped the train by sitting on the railway line. In this situation, army members chased them away.
The incident occurred in the Mohakhali rail crossing area on Thursday (November 21) afternoon.
It was seen that the movement of autorickshaw drivers staying in the Mohakhali rail crossing area caused severe traffic congestion and caused suffering to the people. When the police requested them to move away, they pelted bricks and stones at the police. In this situation, when the army members chased them away from there, they dispersed and fled.
Meanwhile, autorickshaw drivers have blocked roads in the Agargaon, Basila, Gabtoli, Demra, Mirpur, and Mohakhali areas since this morning. This has stopped traffic in those areas, creating a massive traffic jam. Office-goers have been suffering since morning.
Dhaka district Railway Police Superintendent Anwar Hossain said that battery-run rickshaw drivers have blocked the railway line by placing their rickshaws across it. They have also blocked the road. This has stopped traffic on the surrounding roads.
Meanwhile, hundreds of battery-run rickshaw drivers have blocked the road at the intersection of four roads in Agargaon. They are holding a procession demanding to ply rickshaws. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sher-e-Bangla Police Station Md Azam said that this has stopped traffic on the surrounding roads.
Earlier, on Wednesday (November 20), rickshaw drivers protested by taking positions on various roads in the capital.
On Tuesday (November 19), the High Court bench of Justice Fatema Nazib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi ordered the ban on battery-run rickshaws in the Dhaka metropolitan area within three days. The Home Secretary, Local Government Secretary, IGP, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Dhaka's two city corporation authorities, and other concerned parties have been asked to implement the court order.
Earlier, Brihottor Dhaka City Corporation Pedal-rickshaw Malik Oikya Jote President Jahurul Islam Masum and Secretary Md Momin Ali filed the petition with the High Court.
Approximately 12 lakh rickshaws currently operate across the capital, with a significant portion of them being battery-powered. Additionally, many old pedal rickshaws are being converted into motorized three-wheelers by installing batteries.
3 Killed in Clash, Claim Mollah College Authorities
Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College authorities have claimed that three of their students were killed in a clash with students from Kabi Nazrul Government College and Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College.
It has also been claimed that more than a hundred students and several teachers were injured in the attack.
A press release, signed by the college's Managing Director Ashraf Samir, was sent to the media around 2:30 pm on Monday (November 25), stating that three students had been killed.
However, no statement has been issued by the police regarding the incident.
The college authorities have repeatedly appealed to the local and highest levels of administration for cooperation, but no effective action has been taken so far. In this situation, the safety and learning environment of students has been disrupted.
In a press release, Mollah College authorities expressed deep sorrow and anger, stating that a brutal attack occurred at their institution today. A group of outsiders, operating under the banner of the so-called Seven College Students, entered the campus and caused widespread destruction.
During the attack, three students were brutally killed, and over a hundred students and teachers were injured. Many of the injured are in critical condition, with some receiving intensive care.
The release further mentioned that some students from Shaheed Suhrawardy College and National Medical College, supported by the banned organization Chhatra League, were involved in a conspiracy to destabilize the institution.
The majority of the attackers were not students, but individuals engaged in terrorist activities.
The attackers looted important documents, assets, and personal belongings of the students. They also caused significant damage to the college building, smashing various rooms, including the principal's office.
The press release also outlined three demands from the college authorities to the concerned administration, law enforcement, and the Ministry of Education.
We, on behalf of Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College, call on the concerned administration, law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Education to:
1. Quickly identify and arrest the real culprits of the attack and give exemplary punishment.
2. Immediately strengthen security measures in the college to ensure the safety of students.
3. Take effective steps to recover looted assets and restore damaged documents.
No Deaths in Demra Clash, DMP Clarifies
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has said that no one was killed in the chase and clash between students of Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul College, and Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College.
In a statement issued by DMP Deputy Police Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, he stated that many had been spreading misinformation on social media saying two students had died, but this was not true.
The DMP has requested everyone to refrain from spreading false information that people were killed.
Earlier, DMRC Managing Director Ashraf Samir in a press release claimed that three of their students had died in the clashes.
In addition, Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah, founder of Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College, told the media that no one was killed in the chase and clash between students. A group wanted to spread the news of the killings to destabilize the country's atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in Matuail, Jatrabari, at least 35 were injured in clashes between students of Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College, Kabi Nazrul College, and Suhrawardy College. They were brought to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital in their injured condition on Monday afternoon.
New Price of Gold Effective From Today
The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has reduced the price of gold in the country's market.
The organization has reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk1,890 per bhori and set the price of 22-carat gold per bhori at Tk1,40,376.
The new price will be effective from today (November 26), BAJUS said. The organization confirmed this information on Monday night (November 25).
The notification said that according to the new price, the price of 22-carat gold per bhori (11.664 grams) will be Tk1,40,376. In addition, the price of 21-carat gold per bhori has been set at Tk1,33,996, 18-carat gold per bhori at Tk1,14,855, and the price of traditional gold per bhori at Tk94,327.
In the notification, BAJUS further stated that the government-determined 5 percent VAT and BAJUS-determined minimum wage of 6 percent must be added to the selling price of gold. However, wages may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery.
Earlier, BAJUS last adjusted the price of gold in the domestic market on November 23. At that time, the organization had increased the price of 22-carat gold per bhori by Tk2,823 and set the price of 22-carat gold per bhori at Tk1,42,266. Apart from this, the price of 21-carat per bhori was set at Tk1,35,804, 18-carat per bhori at Tk1,16,395, and Tk95,645 per bhori of traditional gold, which came into effect from November 24. The price of gold also increased in the country on November 22 and 19 of this month. The price was reduced on November 14, 12, 7 and 4.
Gold prices also increased in the country on November 22 and 19 of this month. Apart from this, the price was reduced on November 14, 12, 7 and 4. In addition, the price of gold has been adjusted 53 times in the domestic market so far this year. Where the price has been increased 31 times, and reduced 22 times. In 2023, the gold price was adjusted 29 times.
47th BCS Circular to be Published This Week
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has said that the circular for the 47th BCS exam may be published this week. 3,487 officers will be recruited in various cadres through this BCS.
An official of the PSC cadre branch said that the ministry has sent information to the relevant branch of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to issue this recruitment notification. The notification is likely to be published this week.
For the past few years, PSC has been publishing the BCS exam notification on November 30. The 44th BCS notification was published on November 30, 2021, the 45th BCS notification on November 30, 2022, and the 46th BCS notification on November 30, 2023.
Earlier, at a press conference at the Secretariat on Sunday, Public Administration Secretary Md. Mokhlesur Rahman outlined the recruitment of '18,150' job seekers 'in less than two years' through the upcoming 47th BCS exam starting from the 43rd BCS.
Stating that the 47th BCS notification will be issued soon, he said that 3,487 cadres will be recruited in various fields through this BCS. In the latest 47th BCS exam circular, we have said that the recruitment process will be completed in less than two years.
On October 15, the gazette for the recruitment of 2,064 people in the 43rd BCS was published. The gazette candidates will join on January 1.
During the change of power on August 5, the viva of the 44th BCS was going on. A total of 11,732 people passed the written examination of that BCS. Out of these, 3,930 people took the viva. In the changed context, viva was postponed to August 25. Recently, after the formation of the new commission, it was decided to cancel the viva of 3,930 candidates taken earlier 'in the interest of greater transparency'. Now, it has been decided to retake the viva of all the candidates who passed the written examination of the 44th BCS, that is, 11,732 candidates.
12,789 candidates passed the 45th BCS preliminary examination. After the first examiner evaluated the written exam answer sheets, the second examiner was nearing the end of the evaluation. Recently, after the formation of a new commission, it was decided to give all the answer sheets of the written exam to the third examiner in the interest of maintaining transparency and fairness in the evaluation of the answer sheets.
The results of the 46th BCS preliminary examination were published on May 9. In it, 10,638 candidates were selected for the written exam.
The PSC has decided to re-declare the results by adding an equal number of selected candidates, i.e. 10,638, to the total of 21,276 candidates eligible for the written exam to prevent probable discrimination.
JICA Provides Tk 3,147cr For Two Projects
The Bangladesh government has signed two loan agreements with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the construction of Jamuna Railway Bridge Construction Project (III) and Chattogram Sewerage System Development Project (engineering service).
Under the agreements, JICA will provide a total of 39,902 million yen (equivalent to 3,147 crore Taka) for the Jamuna Railway Bridge Construction (III) and Chattogram Sewerage System Development Project (Engineering Service).
The signing ceremony took place at NEC-2 Conference Room, Economic Relations Division, in the city's Agargaon yesterday.
Ichiguchi Tomohide, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh office, and Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of economic relations division, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.
Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, also attended the ceremony.
Of the loan, 38,206 million yen is allocated for the Jamuna Railway Bridge Construction Project (III) and 1,696 million yen for the Chattogram Sewerage System Development Project (Engineering Service).
The loan agreement signed for Jamuna Railway Bridge (III) is for the third tranche of the loan. The picturesque 4.8 km dedicated railway bridge runs over the Jamuna River parallel to the existing Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge.
The Bridge is expected to start its operation in early 2025 which will boost rail connectivity between the eastern and western zones of the country.
The Chattogram Sewerage System Development Project will focus on Catchment 2 and Catchment 4 (Kalurghat and East Bakalia) out of a total of six catchments. It's the first phase of the project which will support the detailed design of the entire sewerage system.
The development of the sewerage system will contribute to several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth in Chattogram.
Source: BSS
