• Dhaka Thu, 21 NOVEMBER 2024,
logo
Proud to Bring Khaleda to Senakunja: Chief Advisor
Big Challenge is to Ensure Smooth Election in Bangladesh: New CEC
The biggest challenge is to provide a smooth election to the people of the country, said the newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. On Thursday (November 21), the new CEC spoke about this challenge in the immediate reaction to the election. Nasir Uddin said, "Elections are a huge challenge in our country. It was in the past and it is in the present. People could not vote in the last three elections. We have seen the farce of 2014, 2018 and 2024. This time, we have seen a farce in the name of elections." He said the current situation is even different. After a huge mass uprising, many people lost their lives in the last 15 years, many people have been injured, many people have been killed, many people have gone missing, many people have lost their wealth, husbands lost their wives, wives lost their husbands, sons lost their fathers and fathers lost their sons. He also said, 1500 people died in the July-August movement. 25 to 26 thousand people were injured. They were demanded to vote. Their blood and sacrifice cannot be betrayed. It cannot be done in any way. I will try my best to give a free, fair, and credible election to the nation." The Chief Election Commissioner said that he wants to organize the election with the participation of all parties except the controversial parties, but he also said that he cannot say anything about the controversial issues right now.  
Ex-secretary Nasir Uddin Appointed As New CEC
Khaleda Zia Visits Senakunja Today
Interim Govt Seizes Opportunity to Restructure State: Dr. Yunus
Armed Forces Day: / President and Chief Adviser Pay Tribute at Shikha Anirban
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.
Citizens Can Share Feedback on Public Admin Reforms Until November 25
The Public Administration Reform Commission has invited citizens to provide their opinions on reforms in public administration. Feedback can be submitted online or in person until November 25. To facilitate this, 13 questions have been prepared and published on the Ministry of Public Administration's website (www.mopa.gov.bd), where citizens can directly share their feedback. According to the announcement, the interim government of Bangladesh formed a commission led by Abdul Muid Chowdhury on October 1. The commission has been tasked with submitting a recommendation-laden report to create a people-oriented, efficient, accountable, and neutral public administration. The deadline for the report is 90 days from its inception. The commission has already begun its activities, focusing on gathering public opinion through a questionnaire. Citizens from various professions can express their views by simply ticking options in a concise and straightforward questionnaire. Feedback can also be submitted with detailed suggestions online or offline by November 25. This input is expected to play a crucial role in building a more effective public administration. Key Details of the Questionnaire: The 13 questions allow respondents to select one of three provided answers. Additionally, participants can propose up to three independent suggestions. Questions Include: How would you generally assess the public administration system in Bangladesh? How do you evaluate the neutrality of public administration over the last 15 years? Do you believe reforms are necessary in the country’s public administration? What do you think is the most critical aspect of reforming public administration? What do you see as the main obstacle to making public administration more people-friendly? What is your personal experience with transparency and accountability in public administration? How would you describe the behavior of government officials and employees? What has been your experience in obtaining services from government offices? How can the current Upazila system better serve the people? Do you think the existing District Councils are effective as local government institutions? Do you believe creating multiple provinces in the country could reduce the burden on Dhaka? What measures should be taken to increase public engagement in public administration? What steps do you think are necessary to free public administration from political influence?
Dr. Yunus: Elections Now If No Reforms Needed!
Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, has stated that the nature and scope of reforms will be determined by the political parties, and decisions regarding the speed of elections will be based on their consensus. In a special interview with The Daily Star's editor, Mahfuz Anam, Dr. Yunus mentioned that reforms and elections are entirely a matter of consensus among political parties. He emphasized that if the public's direct opinion is to be sought, a referendum would be required. Regarding elections, he said, "The faster the reforms, the faster the elections. And if the political parties say they do not want reforms, I will hold elections immediately." He outlined his vision for reforms based on reports from the Election Commission, the police, the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, public administration, and the Constitutional Reform Commission. Dr. Yunus mentioned that the interim government would pave the way for elections through consensus among political parties as swiftly as possible. He emphasized, "We are not imposing anything." He further stated that his administration is only working to facilitate the process. On the election roadmap, Dr. Yunus explained, "We are moving along two parallel tracks. Equal focus and effort are being given to both: one is the election, and the other is reforms." He added, "The Election Commission will be announced within a day or two. The commission will operate independently. It’s not under my control. Everything necessary will be done there." However, he clarified that the Election Commission cannot begin its work until the Reform Commission submits its report. "Once the report is submitted, it cannot be used without political consensus," he noted. Dr. Yunus mentioned that the Reform Commission's report would be available by the end of December. However, implementing it will require political consensus. "Meetings will be held with political parties, and efforts for understanding will continue—what they want, what they don’t. We will impose nothing." He added, "Editorials will be written in the media, opinions will emerge, and we will seek the views of civil society." According to him, the timeline for reforms depends on how quickly political parties can reach a consensus, as elections are not possible without such agreement. He said, "If the political parties tell us they don’t need reforms and want elections as is, we will conduct them as is. It will be ready. How long it takes for reforms to prepare depends on everyone’s consideration. Maybe no one is ready for elections. But if everyone agrees to hold elections before reforms, we will do so. Who are we to prevent that?" When asked about the timeline for reforms, he stated that the commissions’ reports could be available by the end of December, and the government would have sufficient time until next July to reach a consensus on reforms. He emphasized that it depends entirely on the political parties. "There’s no use asking me how long it will take." On how the government would gauge public opinion, he replied that the government would discuss with political parties as representatives of the people. "I don’t think we can directly approach the public. That would require a referendum." When asked whether the Awami League would participate in discussions on reforms, the Nobel laureate said, "It depends entirely on the political parties. If they want the Awami League to participate in this process, that’s what will happen. We are not giving any special opinions." On the issue of cases filed against journalists without specific evidence, the Chief Advisor said, "It was done under old laws, hastily. We later stopped it." Regarding foreign policy, Dr. Yunus stated that although he is closer to Democrats, his government can work with the Trump administration. He explained that when he was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, there was bipartisan agreement. "So, if anyone disliked me, they would have said so then," he added. Discussing how Indian media portrayed Bangladesh’s changing situation, Dr. Yunus said he raised the issue during a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I told him that the allegations of minority persecution are entirely false and propaganda. To see for themselves, Indian journalists should be sent here. It’s an open place; journalists can go wherever they want. No one will stop them. Indian journalists started coming, but the narrative didn’t change." Dr. Yunus said he wanted to revive SAARC because he believed it could enhance cooperation in South Asia and the subcontinent. "Everyone agrees on SAARC. Only India is not keen, which is why progress hasn’t been made. I continue to encourage India," he added. However, the Chief Advisor stressed that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is very friendly. He stated that while differences may exist, they will not define the relationship between the two nations. He remarked, "These two neighboring countries have such a long history and such a position that one cannot truly thrive without friendship with the other." On relations with China, Dr. Yunus referred to his recent experience at the UN General Assembly. While a Chinese delegation wanted to meet him formally, protocol did not allow it. Nevertheless, he had an extensive discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister. "We didn’t meet formally. We sat in one place," he said. The Chief Advisor added that the Chinese delegation, led by their Foreign Minister, presented a long statement, and he also shared his own views. Both sides discussed ways to collaborate further.
HC Suspends Recruitment of 6,531 Primary School Teachers
The High Court postponed the decision to issue appointment letters to 6,531 people in the third phase of the government primary school assistant teacher recruitment exam due to the quota system. The High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi issued this order on Tuesday (November 19). The appointment letters were to be issued to the teachers from tomorrow, Wednesday. Barrister Foyez Uddin Ahmed and Advocate Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan heard the writ petition in the court. Deputy Attorney General Nur Mohammad Azmi argued for the state. The final results of the third phase of the government primary school assistant teacher recruitment exam (Dhaka and Chattogram divisions) were published on October 31. 6,531 candidates passed in it. The results were published on the website of the Directorate of Primary Education. It is known that the exam was conducted in 21 districts of Dhaka and Chattogram divisions in the third phase. The revised results of the written exam were published on April 22. In this, 46,199 candidates were selected for the oral examination. The examination was held at the district level from 10 am to 11 am on March 29. On May 28, the High Court suspended the recruitment process for the posts of assistant teachers in government primary schools in the districts of Dhaka and Chattogram divisions (except the three hill districts) for six months, including the oral examination. The Appellate Division then dismissed the stay order issued by the High Court regarding the conduct of the oral examination. Based on this, the Department of Primary Education conducted the oral examination. However, the court ordered an investigation into the allegations made in the media about the leaking of question papers in the written examination for this recruitment.
ASPs Parade in Sarda Postponed Again
The second phase of the 40th BCS (Police) batch training graduation parade for trainee Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has been postponed in Sarda, Rajshahi. At the same time, the graduation parade for the 40th cadet sub-inspector (SI) in training has also been postponed. This information was revealed in a separate notification on Monday. The authenticity of this notification was confirmed by the police headquarters on Tuesday (November 19). It is learned that a copy has been sent to the Principal of the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi. The notification signed by Additional DIG (Training 1) Mohiul Islam of the Police Headquarters said that a total of 66 trainee Assistant Superintendents of Police, including three from the 38th BCS (Police) batch and 63 from the 40th BCS (Police) batch, are currently undergoing one-year basic training at the Bangladesh Police Academy, Sarda, Rajshahi. The closing parade to be held on November 24 has been postponed due to unavoidable reasons. The date and time of the training closing parade will be announced later. The training activities of the trainees will continue until the closing parade of the training is held. It is requested to take further necessary measures in this regard. Due to unavoidable reasons, the said training concluding parade has been postponed. The date and time of the training concluding parade will be announced later. The training activities of the said trainees will continue until the parade is held. It is requested to take further necessary action in this regard.