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Secretariat Fire: Probe Committee to Submit Preliminary Report Today
Rtv News
30 Dec 2024, 09:18
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Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder stated at a press briefing organized by the Press Wing of the interim government that the high-level investigation committee, formed to probe the devastating fire at the Secretariat, will submit its preliminary report to the Chief Adviser on Monday (December 30). If deemed necessary, the committee might send some evidence abroad for further examination.
He shared this information during a press briefing in front of the State Guesthouse Jamuna on Sunday afternoon (December 29).
Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder mentioned that the head of the investigation committee had informed them that the preliminary report would be handed over to the Chief Adviser. The investigation is ongoing, and as part of the process, the committee has collected essential evidence. Some of this evidence has already been analyzed within the country, and further testing abroad may be considered if necessary.
Earlier, a fire broke out late at night on Wednesday (December 25) at Building No. 7 of the Secretariat. Nineteen units of the Fire Service responded to the fire at 1:52 AM. The fire was fully extinguished by Thursday (December 26) at 11:45 AM. The blaze damaged four floors (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) of Building No. 7, with the 8th and 9th floors suffering the most. Most of the documents on these floors were completely destroyed.
These floors housed several offices, including those of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
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Take Trip Ltd Celebrates 1st Anniversary
Take Trip Limited, a concern of US Bangla Group, celebrated its first anniversary yesterday 05 December 2024.
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The Take Trip team celebrated the event yesterday with its airline partners and esteemed guests.
Trade Fair in January: How to Get Tickets
The 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) will commence on January 1, 2025, and run throughout the month. For the first time, tickets for the event will be available online.
The fair will be held at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BBCFEC) in Purbachal, Dhaka.
Bibek Sarkar, Secretary of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Director of the Trade Fair, confirmed this information to the media.
Key Highlights of the Fair:
The fair will be inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government at 10 am on January 1.
This year's theme highlights the sacrifices made during the July-August mass uprising, with special memorial corners named after Shaheed Abu Sayeed and Shaheed Mir Mugdha.
A Youth Pavilion will focus on engaging the younger generation, and a dedicated area for senior citizens will ensure comfortable seating for elderly visitors.
Facilities for Women Entrepreneurs:
Stalls will be allocated to women entrepreneurs at a lower cost, enabling them to sell products at affordable prices.
Fair Design and Features:
The entrance will showcase a theme inspired by the July-August mass uprising, while the fairground will highlight the EPB’s activities and various financial sectors.
Online Ticketing System:
For the first time, visitors can purchase tickets online through an app, allowing entry by scanning a QR code on their phones.
Tickets will still be available at physical counters, including BRTC bus counters.
Ticket Pricing:
Entry fees remain unchanged
Adults: 50 BDT
Children: 25 BDT
Transportation and Parking:
A dedicated BRTC bus service will operate from Kuril Flyover to the fairground daily from 8 am to 10 pm.
Ample parking facilities will be available to minimize visitor inconvenience.
Security Measures:
The fair will be secured by members of the police, RAB, and the army, with mobile courts also in operation.
International Participation:
Companies from countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore are expected to participate, with a total of 350 stalls.
Preparations for the event are nearly complete, with about 80% of the work finished, according to Bibek Sarkar.
Notably, the 29th edition of the upcoming trade fair will include 350 stalls and participation from various organizations from India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
For this year's event, members of the police, RAB, and armed forces will be engaged in ensuring overall security. Additionally, mobile courts will also be in operation.
Moreover, the fair center will feature extensive parking facilities to ensure visitors face no inconvenience.
2 Women Killed at Late Night House Fire in Moulvibazar
A fire broke out at the residence of Sheikh Rumel Ahmed, a former Union Parishad chairman and Jubo League leader in Moulvibazar.
During the incident, his mother and aunt, who were inside the house, died from suffocation.
The incident occurred at around 3 am on Sunday (December 8) in Mostafapur village, Moulvibazar. Later, the fire service brought the fire under control.
The deceased were Sheikh Rumel Ahmed's mother Meherunnesa (70), and aunt Fulessa Begum (65).
According to Moulvibazar Fire Service Station Officer Jishu Talukdar, upon receiving news of the fire, they arrived at the scene and found Meherunnesa and Fulessa Begum unconscious from the smoke. They were taken to Moulvibazar Hospital, where doctors declared them dead.
He also stated that the duplex house was decorated with various types of board materials. The fire originated from the sitting room. Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
The Touch of Winter, The Season of Peace
At the end of the year, when winter arrives, our hearts are immersed in a new feeling. The misty winter mornings, dewdrops on the grass, the cold breeze, and the gentle chill in the air seem to present the aesthetic beauty of nature. This season carries the unique message of gentleness and tranquility.
Winter gives nature a new form. When the first rays of the sun break through the mist and spread light around, nature becomes even more enchanting. The winter vegetables scattered in the fields, the yellow glow of mustard flowers, and the dew collected on the branches of trees add a new dimension of peace to our minds. The mild cold breeze of winter nights seems to freeze the world; everything slows down, and the birds slowly emerge from their nests.
Winter also means a feast of food. Hot pitha (traditional sweets), steamed pitha, date juice kheer, and chitoi pitha make this season even more memorable. The taste of pitha with hot tea in the winter morning creates a unique sense of unity with nature. The winter food festivals on the city streets, with a variety of pithas and sweets, double our joy.
However, alongside this gentleness of winter, the severity of the cold brings hardship to the poor. Without warm clothing, their lives become unbearable. Therefore, standing by the poor and helpless at this time is our social and humanitarian duty. Distributing warm clothes, and blankets, or organizing winter relief efforts not only alleviates their suffering but also serves as a shining example of human compassion.
Winter is also deeply connected with our culture and heritage. In rural Bengal, during this time, gatherings for Jari, Sari, Baul songs, and Marfati-Murshidi songs take place. In the past, this was also the season when theatrical performances and folk dramas would flourish. Although these traditions have faded somewhat, their bright presence in our memories remains unblemished.
A special feature of winter is the unique adornment of nature. The beauty of roses, jasmine, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and bakul flowers surpasses the harshness of the season, adding an extraordinary charm. Just as winter decorates our lives in a new form, it also reminds us of our sense of responsibility towards society.
Winter is the season of peace and joy. It brings with it the aesthetic beauty of nature and the message of humanity. We can all share this gift of nature, especially if we stand by those suffering in the cold. By enjoying winter and fulfilling our duties, winter will truly become a season of joy for everyone.
Bottled Soybean Oil Back to Market After Price Hike
"For the past few days, shopkeepers kept saying the same thing—bottled soybean oil has been unavailable. However, if it was found in rare places, it was claimed a high price. However, today (December 10), I see a completely different scenario in the market. Every shop has plenty of oil. That means whatever happened till now was nothing but a scheme by the syndicate to hold people hostage," said Mansura Hossain, a private-sector employee while shopping for daily essentials in Karwan Bazar.
Expressing her frustration, Mansura said, "Prices of essential commodities are often raised under the pretext of shortages, causing hardships for ordinary people like us. We are forced to buy at higher prices."
Al-Amin, a CNG driver, said, "Yesterday morning I returned empty-handed because there was no 1-liter bottled soybean oil. But today, bottled soybean oil is available everywhere. Does this make any sense? Are they free to do whatever they want without any accountability?"
The CNG driver further alleged, "If there was a shortage, then where did all this oil suddenly come from? Or are the traders orchestrating this to hike the prices? The government should investigate the real reason behind this."
On Tuesday morning (December 10), a visit to the capital's Karwan Bazar area revealed shelves overflowing with bottled soybean oil. However, as the new price-adjusted oil had not yet arrived, consumers were still able to buy at the previous rates.
Speaking to several retailers, the reporter stated that after the announcement of the price hike, dealers increased the supply of oil in the market. However, oil at the new price has not yet been supplied in the market. As a result, consumers are buying 1-liter bottled soybean oil for 167 BDT and a 5-liter bottle for 818 BDT.
Retailers also mentioned that from Wednesday (December 11), the new oil will arrive in the market and will be sold at 175 BDT per liter.
Earlier, on Monday (December 9), Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced an increase in the price of both bottled and loose soybean oil per liter an 8 BDT.
He said the price of bottled soybean oil has been set at 175 BDT per liter, while loose soybean oil is priced at 157 BDT per liter.
Citing the increase in prices on the international market, the advisor added, "The primary reason for the price hike is the supply shortage of edible oil globally."
Fake Freedom Fighters To be Punished: Faruk E Azam
Being listed as a freedom fighter without actually being one is a serious offense. An opportunity will be given to such fake freedom fighters to withdraw their names. If they fail to do so and the court confirms the falsification, their certificates will not only be canceled, but the government will also take legal action against them.
Being listed as a freedom fighter without actually being one is a serious offense. An opportunity will be given to such fake freedom fighters to withdraw their names. If they fail to do so and the court confirms the falsification, their certificates will not only be canceled, but the government will also take legal action against them.
This statement was made by Faruk E Azam, Advisor to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
On Wednesday (December 11), during a press conference at the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Faruk E Azam issued this stern warning to fake freedom fighters.
In response to a question, Advisor Faruk E Azam said, "In my view, fake freedom fighters have deceived the nation. This is not a minor offense but a serious crime. We might offer indemnity (general amnesty). Those who have falsely claimed to be freedom fighters can voluntarily withdraw their names. If they do so, they might receive general amnesty. However, if that does not happen, as we have said, they will be accused of this fraud."
Referring to numerous complaints regarding the list of freedom fighters, the advisor stated, "We have 3-4 lists in our possession. There are various types of lists – blue lists, red lists, and even Indian lists. Several types of freedom fighter lists exist here. Many individuals have been listed as freedom fighters despite not being one. Some have been gazetted and are enjoying benefits. When the court determines the falsification, we will cancel their certificates and ensure they are punished appropriately so that they face the necessary consequences."
Emphasizing the importance of punishment, Advisor Faruk E Azam said, "If we can establish a clear verification process, the same measures will be applied to all. They deserve punishment, and exemplary penalties should be imposed. We hope to implement effective measures regarding this matter very soon."
He further stressed that the dignity of genuine freedom fighters must not be compromised. The government aims to complete this work without undermining their honor. Acknowledging the difficulty of the task, Faruk E Azam mentioned that the advisors are putting in their best efforts. He added, "In many cases, people have been listed as freedom fighters out of favoritism, familial connections, or other influences. Identifying these individuals will take some time, but success is expected in this regard."
Panchagarh Shivers as Temperature Drops to 9°C
The northern district of Panchagarh is shivering at the lowest temperature. The dense fog combined with biting cold has left the entire region in distress. With the intense chill and freezing winds, the temperature has dropped to 9°C.
On Friday (13 December) at 6:00 am, the temperature at the Tetulia Weather Observation Center in the district was recorded at 9°C. Previously, on Thursday at 9:00 am, the temperature in this district was recorded at 12.6°C.
The Meteorological Department states that when the temperature ranges between 8.1 and 10°C, it is classified as a mild cold wave. According to this definition, a mild cold wave is currently sweeping over Panchagarh.
Jitendra Nath, the in-charge of the Tetulia Weather Observatory, said, "The temperature has dropped to 9°C. At 6:00 am today, it was recorded at 9°C. This is classified as a mild cold wave. Although the sun was visible through the fog in the morning, the northern region continues to shiver under the cold wave accompanied by chilly winds."
