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Army Chief Urges Soldiers to be Ready to Make Sacrifices for Country
Rtv News
23 Jan 2025, 18:13
Photo: File Picture
Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has urged the army members to be ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of the country.
He stated this at the inauguration ceremony of the 17th 'Colonel of the Regiment' of the traditional East Bengal Regiment at the Shaheed MR Chowdhury Parade Ground of The East Bengal Regimental Center in Chittagong Cantonment on Thursday (January 23).
Waker-uz-Zaman said that over the past few years, the capacity of the force has increased through the addition of modern, technologically advanced and war-ready weapons and equipment to the Bangladesh Army.
The Army Chief said that the work of the Engineers Defense Industry is ongoing to further increase the capacity of the army. I will strive to provide the army with war-worthy and modern weapons and equipment.
He also said that every member of the East Bengal Regiment will perform the duties entrusted to them with the utmost professionalism and will not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for the country if necessary.
Through this ceremony, the Army Chief, as the 'Colonel of the Regiment', took over the guardianship of the traditional East Bengal Regiment according to military tradition.
Earlier, when the Army Chief reached the parade ground in the morning, he was formally saluted according to military tradition and a guard of honour was provided by a four-strong contingent of the East Bengal Regiment. After the ceremony, the Army Chief inaugurated the 37th Annual Commanders' Conference of the East Bengal Regiment.
At that time, Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman called on all members of the regiment to be always ready to face the challenges of the 21st century through modern and up-to-date training. The ceremony was attended by senior officers from the Army Headquarters, Army Training and Doctrine Command, local formations and East Bengal Regiment, along with members of various ranks.
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Vegetable Prices Down While Rice, Chicken Prices Soar; Soybean Oil Crisis Persists
The vegetable market has shown some relief for the past two weeks as increased supply has brought prices down. However, rising rice, fish, chicken, and oil prices have disappointed consumers.
Vegetable Prices Down
This information was revealed during a visit to several markets in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar and Mohammadpur Agricultural Market, on Friday (December 27).
Traders attribute the price drop to a reduction in political group extortion during transportation and less disruption in the markets. If this trend continues, prices may decrease further.
Rokon, a vegetable vendor at Karwan Bazar, said, "Supply has increased compared to before. Over the past week, prices of some vegetables have dropped by up to Tk10 per kg. If supply remains steady, prices will drop further."
Current market prices:
Eggplant: 50–60 BDT/kg
Bitter Gourd: 70 BDT/kg
Okra: 50 BDT/kg
String Beans: 60 BDT/kg
Radish: 20–30 BDT/kg
Stem Amaranth (Loti): 60 BDT/kg
Snake Gourd (Chichinga): 50 BDT/kg
Pointed Gourd (Potol): 35–40 BDT/kg
Other vegetable prices include:
Papaya: 30–40 BDT/kg
Carrots: 40–50 BDT/kg
Cucumbers: 50 BDT/kg
Tomatoes: 120–130 BDT/kg
Flat Beans (Shim): 40–50 BDT/kg
Turnips: 25–30 BDT/kg
Cabbage: 40–50 BDT per piece
Bottle Gourd: 50–60 BDT each
Besides this, coriander leaves are being sold at 30 BDT per kg, onion flowers at 30-40 BDT, new potatoes at 50 BDT, and old potatoes at 60 BDT per kilogram. Depending on the quality, each cauliflower is priced at 40 BDT, cabbage at 40-50 BDT, and gourds are sold for 50-60 BDT each.
The price of green chillies has also decreased. They are being sold at 50-80 BDT per kilogram, while the wholesale price is 40-60 BDT. Additionally, red spinach bundles are being sold for 10 BDT, jute leaves for 10-15 BDT, Malabar spinach for 30 BDT, bottle gourd leaves for 40 BDT, radish leaves for 10 BDT, stem amaranth for 10-15 BDT, water spinach for 10 BDT, and spinach for 15-20 BDT.
Onion Prices Fall
Prices of onions, especially the Murikata variety, have decreased due to increased supply. Last week, Murikata onions were 70–80 BDT/kg, but now they sell for 50–60 BDT/kg. Imported onions and older domestic varieties have also dropped by 30 BDT/kg.
Chicken Prices Rise Again
Despite government-imposed price controls in September, chicken prices have surged since mid-December. Over the past two weeks, prices have increased by 30–40 BDT/kg.
Current chicken prices:
Broiler Chicken: 200–220 BDT/kg
Sonali Chicken: 320–350 BDT/kg
Desi Chicken: 550–600 BDT/kg
White Layer Chicken: 230-240 BDT/kg
Red Layer Chicken: 280-300 BDT/kg
Ducks, depending on the breed: 550-650 BDT/per piece
Soybean Oil Crisis
Soybean oil prices rose by 8 BDT/litre on December 9, but even two weeks later, supply has not normalized. Retailers report that oil companies are providing limited quantities, insufficient to meet consumer demand.
Unstable Rice Market
Despite the ongoing Aman harvest season, rice prices remain high. Over the past two weeks, prices for fine rice have increased by 4–8 BDT/kg, while medium and coarse rice have risen by 2–3 BDT/kg.
Current rice prices:
Miniket: 74–78 BDT/kg
Atash: 60–62 BDT/kg
Coarse Swarna: 52–56 BDT/kg
Nazirshail: 76–85 BDT/kg
There is no relief in the fish market either, as fish continues to be sold at previously increased prices. Currently, per-kg prices are as follows:
Rui: 380 to 450 BDT
Katla: 400 to 480 BDT
Farmed Shing: 550 BDT
Farmed Magur: 500 BDT
Farmed Koi: 240 to 280 BDT
Coral: 750 to 800 BDT
Tengra: 550 to 700 BDT
Farmed Pangas: 180 to 230 BDT
Tilapia: 180 to 220 BDT
Additionally, per kilogram prices for other fish are:
Boal: 750 to 800 BDT
Poa: 450 BDT
Pabda: 350 to 450 BDT
Aair: 850 to 900 BDT
Local Koi: 1,300 to 1,700 BDT
Shing: 1,400 to 1,500 BDT
Shol: 900 to 1,000 BDT
River Pangas: 900 to 1,200 BDT
Some fish varieties, like local Catfish (Shing) (1,400–1,500 BDT/kg) and Boal (750–800 BDT/kg), are priced beyond the reach of average consumers.
Traders blame insufficient supply and profiteering by unscrupulous businesses. Regular monitoring and action are needed to curb such practices.
Private Car Hit by Bus on Expressway, 5 Dead
A road accident on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway has left 5 people dead and at least 10 others injured.
The incident occurred on Friday morning (December 27) near the Dhaleshwari Toll Plaza.
Reports indicate that a bus lost control and collided with a private car at the Dhaleshwari Toll Plaza in the morning. The accident claimed the lives of 5 individuals, including pedestrians, and left at least 10 others injured. The injured have been rescued and sent to the hospital.
Dewan Azad, Station Officer of the Srinagar Upazila Fire Service, stated that the injured were sent to Dhaka Mitford Hospital. Among them, five people died on the way to the hospital.
SSC Syllabus and Mark Distribution for 2026 Published
The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has published the revised syllabus and mark distribution for the SSC and equivalent examinations of 2026, reintroducing the division of streams for grades 9 and 10.
On Saturday (December 28), the NCTB announced the syllabus and mark distribution through a notice on its website. The syllabus includes a total of 32 subjects based on Science, Business Studies, and Humanities streams.
According to the announcement, for subjects without practical exams, questions will be distributed into 70 marks for written (essay-type) and 30 marks for multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Within the written section, 50 marks will be allocated for creative questions and 20 marks for short-answer questions.
For subjects with practical exams, the theoretical portion will carry 75 marks, and the practical portion will carry 25 marks. Within the theoretical section, 40 marks will be allocated for creative questions, 10 marks for short-answer questions, and 25 marks for MCQs.
Each creative question will carry 10 marks, each short-answer question will carry 2 marks, and each MCQ will carry 1 mark.
The division of streams for grades 9 and 10 had been abolished under the "New Curriculum" introduced by the Awami League government. However, following a change in government after mass movements, the interim government has reinstated the stream division.
Trainee Doctors Block Shahbagh Intersection
Trainee doctors have occupied Shahbagh in Dhaka, demanding an increase in their monthly stipends.
On Sunday (December 29), at around 11:30 am, postgraduate private trainee doctors blocked the Shahbagh intersection, demanding that their stipends be increased to 50,000 BDT.
Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khalid Monsur told the media that the trainee doctors came onto the road around 11:30 am. The blockade halted traffic movement, causing commuters to suffer.
Earlier on December 21, the trainee doctors had set a deadline for increasing their monthly stipends. They warned that if their demands were not met, postgraduate private trainee doctors across the country would go on strike.
In response, the government increased their stipend by 5,000 BDT (from 25,000 to 30,000 BDT). However, the trainee doctors rejected this decision and announced they would continue their movement.
Application For 47th BCS Begins Today
The online application process for the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination has officially begun. Applications opened at 10 am on Sunday, December 29, and will remain open until the evening of January 30.
A total of 3,688 officers will be recruited through this BCS. Among them, 3,487 positions are for cadre posts, while 201 are for non-cadre roles. Additionally, several new posts have been introduced.
For the first time, the age limit for applicants has been set at 32 years.
The viva voce (oral examination) marks have been reduced from 200 to 100.
Furthermore, the application fee has been lowered to Tk 200, down from the previous Tk 700. Candidates from minority groups, persons with disabilities, and third-gender applicants will pay a reduced fee of Tk 50, according to the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The PSC had initially announced that online applications for the 47th BCS would begin on December 10. However, the start date was postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. Although the government had earlier declared a reduction in application fees, the official notification was issued later, on December 11.
Government Directive on Tablighi Jamaat Sparks Saad Faction's Response
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a new notification regarding the overnight activities (Shabguzari) and the maintenance of peace and order at the Kakrail Mosque, a central hub for the Tablighi Jamaat in Bangladesh. In response, media coordinator for the Saad followers of Tablighi Jamaat, Md. Sayem, expressed hope for a fair resolution from the government on matters concerning Kakrail Mosque.
The notification, signed by Deputy Secretary Dr. Mohammad Abdul Salam, was issued on Sunday (December 29).
It stated that followers of Maulana Mohammad Jubayer and Maulana Saad should continue their respective Tablighi Jamaat activities in the mosques they have been using at the district and sub-district levels to maintain peace and order.
Md. Sayem, representing the Saad followers, alleged, "The Jubayer group is occupying various markaz (centers) and mosques across the country, obstructing our activities, committing severe injustices, and perpetrating mob justice and massacres nationwide. We hope the notification will address these issues promptly. We are optimistic that the administration will step in to resolve these complexities and play a sincere role. We urge them to avoid destabilizing the country and retreat from fratricidal religious conflict. Such actions are incompatible with Tablighi principles and diminish Islam's stature."
He further appealed to the government to ensure the basic and religious freedoms of all citizens impartially. "We are willing to sit down with both parties and responsible government officials to reach a resolution, as we have always sought to end this religious conflict," he said.
Additionally, he demanded the withdrawal of false cases filed against senior Tablighi elders and the unconditional release of Tablighi leaders, Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Zia Bin Qasem and Mufti Muaz Bin Noor, who have been unjustly detained.
Fireworks at 31st Night May Lead to Jail or Fines
To prevent harmful noise pollution and air pollution affecting public health and biodiversity on New Year's Eve, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change will conduct mobile courts to stop activities such as fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns.
This information was provided in a press release signed by Deputy Chief Information Officer Dipankar Bar on Monday (December 30).
According to the release, under the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, these activities are punishable offenses. For a first-time offense, the punishment can include one month of imprisonment, a fine of 5,000 BDT, or both. Repeated offenses can result in six months of imprisonment, a fine of 10,000 BDT, or both.
The release further mentioned that fireworks and firecrackers contribute to noise and air pollution. Excessive noise pollution increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental stress. Additionally, sky lanterns can lead to fire hazards and harm biodiversity.
Highlighting the ministry's initiative, it was stated that letters have been sent to Dhaka's clubs and various organizations, urging them to refrain from fireworks, firecrackers, and sky lanterns during the New Year celebrations. Everyone is requested to abstain from these harmful activities in the interest of public welfare.
