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Protest at Shahbagh Demanding Reinvestigation into BDR Massacre
Rtv News
09 Jan 2025, 16:34
Photo: Collected
Former BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) members and relatives of the deceased BDR members have blocked the Shahbagh intersection in the capital, demanding a reinvestigation into the BDR massacre.
The blockade began at around 1:30 pm on Thursday (January 9). Due to the protest, traffic congestion has formed on the roads surrounding Shahbagh. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area.
At least 600-700 members of the affected families protested by blocking the Shahbagh intersection. They shouted slogans and made speeches demanding a fair trial for the BDR massacre. They declared they would continue their fight until justice is served.
The officer-in-charge (OC) of Shahbagh Police Station, Md Khaled Munzur stated that those who were dismissed after the BDR rebellion, along with their families, are continuing their protest for the second day. Since noon, they have blocked the Shahbagh intersection, completely halting traffic. Police have been deployed to maintain control over the situation.
Earlier in the morning, former BDR members, who were dismissed from their positions, held a press conference at the Central Shaheed Minar. They claimed that the trial of the Pilkhana murder case was a farce, calling for the cancellation of all false charges and the release of imprisoned members. They also expressed frustration that the scheduled court session in Keraniganj did not take place, seeing it as part of a conspiracy.
The protesters mentioned that the Pilkhana massacre was premeditated and that BDR members were victims of a national conspiracy. They announced that their protest would continue until their three main demands—investigation into the BDR massacre, reinstatement of the dismissed members, and the release of prisoners—are fulfilled.
On Wednesday, January 8, former BDR members continued their protest at Shahbagh, marching in a procession with seven demands, including the reinvestigation of the massacre, reinstatement of dismissed members, and the release of those imprisoned.
As planned, they first gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar and later marched toward the residence of the Chief Advisor. The police stopped them when they reached Shahbagh Police Station.
Subsequently, with the intervention of law enforcement, a delegation submitted a memorandum of their demands to the Chief Advisor's residence. They handed over the document, which included their seven demands, to Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor. Later, a representative group from the protesting former BDR members went to Jamuna and presented the same memorandum.
The protesters have warned that if their demands are not met by Thursday, they will continue with the Shahbagh blockade and other ongoing protests.
The former BDR members' additional demands include: determining the true cause of death for BDR members in remand, compensating the families of the deceased, ensuring the commission's independent functioning, including the affected BDR members' demands in the July revolution declaration, and declaring February 25 as Military Murder Day.
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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."
Vegetable Prices Begin to Drop
Vegetable prices in the capital markets have started to drop. Traders say the markets are now filled with winter vegetables, bringing some relief in prices. While some vegetables are still being sold at Tk80 to 150 per kg, most are now priced between Tk50 and 60. Although winter vegetables are expected to be more cheaper during this season, the low market prices of vegetables are offering some respite.
A visit to several markets in Kawran Bazar, Agargaon, Shyamoli, and Kallyanpur on Friday (December 13) revealed this scenario.
Traders noted that within a few days, more winter vegetables would arrive in the markets, likely reducing prices further.
In Kawran Bazar, new potatoes are selling at Tk100 per kg, tomatoes at Tk120, green chilies at Tk100, hyacinth beans with seeds at Tk100, bitter gourds at Tk100, cucumbers at Tk80, carrots at Tk80, radishes at Tk30, and spring onions at Tk80 per kg.
Other vegetables include string beans at Tk100 per kg, round eggplants at Tk80, long eggplants at Tk60, medium-sized cauliflowers at Tk50 per piece, cabbages at Tk50 per piece, papayas at Tk50 per kg, lady's finger at Tk80, pumpkins at Tk40 per kg, regular hyacinth beans at Tk50, turnips at Tk50, and onion flowers at Tk30 per bundle.
According to vegetable vendor Zakir, prices have not decreased as much as expected. "In previous years, vegetable prices used to drop to Tk30 to 40 per kg, but this year they haven't. However, prices are lower than before," he said.
Shahin, a shopper from Farmgate, remarked "Tomatoes are still around Tk150 per kg. Cucumbers and carrots are also expensive. Where is the price reduction?"
Homemaker Fatema Akter commented, "While some vegetables are cheaper, many are still overpriced. Only if vegetables were priced at Tk30 to 40 per kg could we truly say prices have dropped."
Meanwhile, in Kawran Bazar's wholesale market, local onions are selling for Tk70 to 120 per kg, and Indian onions for Tk70 to 80. Pabna's local onions are being sold for Tk120 per kg. Additionally, Chinese ginger is priced at Tk160, Chinese garlic at Tk210 to 220, fresh ginger at Tk100 to 110, and garlic from Natore at Tk230 to 240 per kg. An analysis of the market over the past few months shows a slight decrease in wholesale ginger prices, while garlic prices remain mostly unchanged.
In terms of meat, beef is selling at Tk750 per kg, and goat meat at Tk1,100 per kg. Farm chickens are being sold at Tk180, Pakistani chickens at Tk310 taka, and local chickens at Tk520 per kg.
Chicken vendor Kalam noted that poultry prices have risen slightly, selling for Tk190 per kg, an increase of Tk10 in just two days. Meat prices in other markets are almost the same. Eggs are being sold at Tk145 to 150 per dozen.
468 Tons of Potatoes Imported from India through Benapole
A shipment of 468 metric tons of potatoes has been imported from India.
The consignment arrived at the Benapole Landport Railway Station in Jessore on a freight train on Thursday evening (December 12).
The shipment is scheduled to be unloaded on Saturday (December 14).
Nazmul Arefin Jony, a representative of C&F agent Alam & Sons at the land port, said necessary documents will be submitted to Benapole Customs House on Saturday for customs clearance.
After completing customs and railway station procedures, the shipment will be unloaded either at the Benapole port or Noapara. From Noapara, the potatoes will be distributed to various parts of the country, including Dhaka and Chattogram.
Benapole station master Saiduzzaman informed the media that the potatoes were imported by Tata Traders, an importing firm based in Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi. The consignment was exported by Atif Export, an exporter from Malda, India. A total of 9,460 bags of potatoes, weighing 468,000 kilograms were imported on a single train. The import value of the shipment is USD 1,007,640.
Oil to Flow Dhaka via Pipeline, Saving Tk 2.36 Billion
The construction of a 250-kilometer pipeline has already been completed. If all goes as planned, fuel oil will start flowing from Chattogram to Dhaka through this pipeline by March next year. This will result in savings of approximately Tk 2.36 billion, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's energy transportation system.
According to officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the implementation of this project will not only reduce fuel transportation costs but also ensure an uninterrupted supply chain. Moreover, it will contribute to reducing environmental pollution.
Currently, fuel oil is transported from Chattogram to Dhaka via river and road. However, this process often faces disruptions for various reasons. Additionally, the cost of transportation through rivers and roads is high, and there are frequent allegations of oil theft. During the dry season, reduced navigability in waterways further complicates transportation.
To address these challenges, a project titled "Transportation of Fuel Oil through Pipeline from Chattogram to Dhaka" was approved in October 2018. However, construction work started in 2020. Initially, the project was scheduled to be completed by December 2022, but the deadline was extended twice with the latest deadline set for December this year.
The project's initial cost was estimated at Tk 28.61 billion, but it was later revised to Tk 36.99 billion. It is being implemented by the 24 Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army.
According to BPC sources, the annual demand for fuel oil in Bangladesh is about 6.5 million tons. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, 6.7 million tons were supplied with diesel accounting for 75% of the total demand.
BPC also mentioned that 40% of the country's total fuel demand is consumed in the Dhaka division. Currently, oil is transported to Dhaka by first shipping it from Patenga in Chattogram to depots in Narayanganj's Godnail and Fatullah via waterways and then by road to Dhaka. Around 150 small and large vessels are used for this transportation every month, costing Tk 2 billion annually.
Once the pipeline becomes operational, the project is expected to generate an annual revenue of Tk 3.26 billion, while expenses for operations, maintenance, fuel, electricity, and land lease will amount to Tk 900 million. This will lead to annual savings of Tk 2.36 billion.
Projections suggest that the project's investment will be recovered within 16 years.
Regarding the project's progress, Md. Aminul Haque, the project director appointed by BPC, said that construction work will be fully completed by December. After commissioning trials, the pipeline will be ready for full-scale fuel transportation.
When asked about the commissioning timeline, Anupam Barua, BPC's Director of Operations and Maintenance stated that commissioning is expected to begin in January, followed by staff recruitment and training. Full-scale fuel transportation is scheduled to start in March.
Bangladesh Ahead of India and Pakistan in Per Capita GDP
People in Bangladesh earn more on average than those in India and Pakistan. Over the past few years, Bangladesh has surpassed both countries in terms of income. However, two decades ago, India and Pakistan were significantly ahead of Bangladesh.
According to a report by the World Bank, despite the global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession, Bangladesh's economic growth did not decline to negative levels. Although growth was slow, it remained positive. Over the last two decades, Bangladesh has experienced the highest increase in per capita income among South Asian nations. Currently, Bangladesh's per capita income surpasses that of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Myanmar.
The information was derived from a World Bank report published on Friday (December 13).
The report further indicates that while many low-income countries faced debt crises and economic vulnerabilities, some have shown resilience. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, Bangladesh's growth rate fell to 4.5%, and in 2020-2021, it dropped further to 3.4%. However, in subsequent years, the growth rate recovered, reaching 7.1% in 2021-2022. Growth slowed again in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The World Bank forecasts that the growth rate may decline to 4% in the current fiscal year.
In the early 21st century, the World Bank classified 63 countries as low-income. Since then, 39 countries, including India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, have moved into the middle-income category, with annual per capita incomes exceeding $1,145 as of 2023. Sustainable growth has allowed only six low-income countries to achieve middle-income status by 2050. Bangladesh has been one of the most successful in this regard.
For four consecutive years, Bangladesh has surpassed India in terms of per capita GDP. According to the IMF’s latest data, in 2023, Bangladesh's per capita GDP reached $2,621, while India’s stood at $2,612.
Bangladesh first overtook India in per capita GDP in 2020, when its per capita GDP was $1,888, compared to India's $1,877.
Bangladesh surpassed Pakistan in per capita GDP for the first time in 2016, with its per capita GDP reaching $1,659, while Pakistan’s was $1,468. Since then, Pakistan has not been able to overtake Bangladesh. In 2023, Pakistan’s per capita GDP stood at $1,471.
Regional Comparison
Bhutan: Per capita income rose from $720 to $3,740, a 419% increase.
Myanmar: Per capita income rose from $190 in 2000 to $1,210 in 2023, a 537% increase.
Nepal: Per capita income increased from $220 to $1,370, a 523% rise.
Pakistan: Per capita income grew from $470 to $1,500, a 219% increase.
Afghanistan: In 2023, per capita income was $360.
The World Bank will provide further details on these developments in its upcoming Global Economic Prospects report, scheduled for release on January 14.
National Memorial Ready to Honor Brave Martyrs
December 16 marks Victory Day, and the nation will celebrate its 54th anniversary this year. The National Memorial in Savar has been cleaned, painted, and decorated with colorful flowers and lights to honor the heroic martyrs whose sacrifices brought this victory.
Preparations include comprehensive security measures across four layers, ensuring a fitting tribute to the glorious occasion.
Standing on 108 acres of land, the National Memorial bears witness to the red and green history of the Liberation War. As in previous years, extensive efforts over the past month have ensured that the memorial is cleaned, maintained, and adorned with vibrant flowers for the grand celebration of Victory Day. Painting, lighting, and other beautification works have been completed.
With the rising crimson sun, the President, the Chief Adviser, and a massive crowd will gather at the memorial. The concrete martyr's altar will be covered in a blanket of flowers.
The nation is eagerly awaiting the moment to pay homage and show love to its greatest sons and daughters. Both the elderly and the younger generations will come together to express their respect and love for the martyrs. For security, CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside the memorial, and hundreds of security personnel are deployed alongside round-the-clock surveillance by intelligence agencies.
The three armed forces have completed their rehearsals to ensure a ceremonial and dignified observance of the day by the President and the Chief Adviser.
Jomela, a caretaker of the National Memorial, shared her feelings: "We have been working at the National Memorial for many years. While we could not participate in the Liberation War ourselves, we are deeply proud to maintain the graves of those whose sacrifices broke the chains of oppression and brought us independence. Just as our forefathers told us stories of freedom, we will proudly pass on to the next generation the story of how we prepared and cared for the martyrs' graves and the memorial with utmost dedication."
Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Engineer of the Public Works Department in Dhaka, stated: "All preparations for honoring the martyrs at the National Memorial have been completed under the direction of the Public Works Department. After the President and the Chief Adviser pay their respects, other dignitaries, including advisers, secretaries, diplomats, and key figures, will lay their wreaths before opening the memorial to the public."
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Dhaka Range, A.K.M. Awlad Hossain, remarked: "Comprehensive security measures have been implemented by Dhaka District Police for Victory Day at the National Memorial. Watchtowers have been set up in various locations, and intelligence teams are actively monitoring the area.
Around 3,500 police personnel will be deployed for security in and around the memorial. We have already enveloped the entire area in a security blanket, extending from Aminbazar in Savar to the National Memorial."
On Victory Day, the National Memorial will be adorned with countless flowers, reflecting the respect and love of the masses. After the President and Chief Adviser pay their tributes, the memorial will be opened to the public. Subsequently, leaders from the BNP and various political and social organizations will also pay their respects.
