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PM receives over TK 315cr Padma Bridge loan installments
Rtv news
18 Dec 2023, 16:56
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Dec 18) received over TK 315 crore of 5th and 6th installments of loan taken for the construction of the Padma Bridge.
"Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader handed over a cheque of Tk 315,07,53,442 to the premier as 5th and 6th installments of loan for Padma Bridge," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said in a media briefing.
PM's Ambassador-at-Large M Ziauddin, PM'S Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Finance Division Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Bridges Division Secretary M Monjur Hossain and high officials of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), bridge and finance divisions were present at the check hand over function at the premier's Ganabhaban residence here.
With fifth and sixth installments, the bridges division has so far paid a total of Tk 948, 01,19,585 to the government through six installments.
On April 5, the bridges division began the repayment of the loan with Tk 316,90,97,050 from the revenue it earned as toll collection from the Bridge as the first and second installments.
The Padma Bridge was built with own finance at a cost of over Taka 32,605 crore.
On June 19 this year, the Bridges Division paid Tk 316,02,69093 as the third and fourth installments.
The loan was taken from Bangladesh Bank at a low interest rate under an agreement signed between the Finance Division and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.
On June 25, 2022, the prime minister opened the country's largest bridge - 6.15-km Padma Bridge- over the mighty Padma River.
Source: BSS
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Gas Pipeline Explosion in Habiganj, 4 Killed, 2 injured
Four individuals, including an engineer, were killed in an explosion at the gas substation line of Akij Group in Bahubal, Habiganj.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday (December 31) around 9:00 am.
The incident was confirmed by Bahubal Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahedul Islam.
Among the deceased, the identities of two have been confirmed. Their names are Mizan Gazi and Mahfuz.
It has been reported that both of them were workers at the factory. They were residents of Chandpur.
Regarding the incident, OC Zahedul Islam said, "The explosion occurred around 9:00 am, claiming the lives of two people on the spot. Four others, who were seriously injured, were sent to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College. I have heard that two more succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital."
Attack on 'March for Unity' Convoy, Bagherhat Turns Into a Battlefield
Reports have emerged of an attack on the convoy of the anti-discrimination student movement's 'March for Unity' in Mollahat, Bagherhat.
The incident occurred around 11:30 am on Tuesday (December 31) in Mollahat.
It has been reported that 25 buses carrying students departed from Khulna Metropolitan City for Dhaka earlier in the morning. When the convoy reached the Madrasa Ghat area of Mollahat in Bagherhat, local assailants threw stones at the vehicles and stopped them, assaulting several people.
As the students retaliated, the area quickly turned into a battlefield. The clash lasted for an hour, with reports of at least 20 people injured. Police and military forces are working to bring the situation under control.
The students stated that the attackers, who were already prepared, launched the assault as the convoy passed through Mollahat around 11:30 am. They also alleged that local residents supported the attackers.
Despite the incident taking place near the police station, the students claimed the police remained inactive.
Regarding the incident, Jahurul Tanvir, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Movement in Khulna, said, "Our convoy was peacefully heading to Dhaka from Khulna. Along the way, we were attacked, leaving many injured. This attack was orchestrated by collaborators of the fascist government."
He further added, "The attack was premeditated. However, no obstacle can deter us from our goal. Our brothers have shed their blood. Justice must be served promptly, and those responsible must be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment. Otherwise, the students themselves will identify and take action against the perpetrators."
EC Working Towards National Elections, Not Local Ones
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), A M M Nasir Uddin has stated that the Election Commission (EC) is working with a focus on national elections rather than local ones.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday (December 31) after a discussion meeting with election officials at the Cumilla Regional Election Office, the CEC shared this information.
Nasir Uddin mentioned, "From the very beginning, major political parties have been demanding national parliamentary elections. They have not emphasized local government elections. Hence, we are preparing for the national parliamentary elections instead of local government ones. We hope to complete the voter list by March 2. After necessary updates and corrections, the finalized voter list will be published. We are committed to delivering a free and fair election to the nation."
The CEC further stated that the election schedule has not yet been set by the commission. Preparations are being made following the Chief Adviser’s statement. However, it will become clearer when the elections will take place once the commission receives reports from various reform committees, including the Election Commission Reform Committee.
The Chief Election Commissioner, A M M Nasir Uddin, attended a meeting regarding the voter list update and preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. This meeting involved the regional election officer at the Cumilla Regional Election Office, covering Cumilla, Noakhali, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Feni, and Brahmanbaria districts. The discussions included preparations for updating the voter list and other related matters with senior district election officers, additional district election officers, and upazila election officers.
The meeting was chaired by Cumilla Regional Election Officer Md. Dulal Talukder.
CEC's personal secretary Md. Ashraful Alam; Deputy Project Director (Database) of the Election Commission Secretariat, Major Md. Mamunur Rashid; and other election officials working in the Cumilla region at both the district and upazila levels were also present at the meeting.
Dense Fog Engulfs Dhaka; Vehicles Use Headlights
Dhaka is shrouded in dense fog, forcing vehicles to use headlights even during the day. The cold winds have intensified the chill, while the sun remains hidden despite the advancing day.
Visibility was significantly reduced from early morning, disrupting daily activities and traffic movement.
Areas like Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon, Mohakhali, Uttara, Airport, and Khilkhet were heavily affected, with moderate to dense fog observed across the city.
Objects at a distance were hard to see, and although the fog eased slightly later in the day, the cold felt sharper than usual.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s forecast at 7 AM predicted moderate to dense fog over Dhaka and surrounding areas for the next six hours, with northwesterly winds at 6–12 km/h and partly cloudy skies.
Nationwide, dense fog is expected to intensify the winter chill during the day, potentially disrupting air, river, and road transportation.
Temperature Drops to 9°C in Panchagarh
On Saturday, January 4, at 6 a.m., the temperature in Tetulia, Panchagarh, was recorded at 9.8°C, with 99% humidity in the air.
Confirming the information, Jitendra Nath Roy, Assistant Officer at the first-class Meteorological Office in Tetulia, told the media that the proximity to the Himalayan Mountains and the cold winds blowing from the northwest are causing severe cold in the Tetulia region. The lowest temperature of 9.8°C was recorded at 6 a.m. today, along with 99% air humidity.
He further mentioned that the mild cold wave caused by the icy winds from the north continues in the district. Additionally, fog has been appearing in the mornings and after dusk for the past few days. The temperature may drop further in the coming days.
32 Bhori of Stolen Gold Recovered, 2 Arrested
Police have arrested two suspects linked to the theft of 40 Bhori of gold from a residential locker in Adabor, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Authorities have recovered 32 Bhori of the stolen gold, though the identities of the arrested individuals remain undisclosed.
The looting incident occurred late Friday night (January 3) at a house on Road No. 16 in Adabor.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Adabor Police Station confirmed the arrests on Saturday (January 4).
He stated that 32 Bhori of gold has been recovered, and two individuals have been detained in connection with the case.
He also stated that efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining gold and further investigate the incident.
Drug Smuggler Killed in Gunfight with Coast Guard Near Teknaf
A gunfight occurred between the Coast Guard and drug smugglers on Friday night (January 3) in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. One drug smuggler was reportedly killed in the incident. Additionally, 16 individuals involved in drug trafficking and robbery were detained, along with the seizure of weapons.
On Saturday (January 4), the incident was confirmed by Mohammad Jalal Uddin, Contingent Commander of the Coast Guard Teknaf Station.
During the operation, three firearms and 10,000 Yaba tablets were recovered. The gunfight took place early Saturday near the Naf River estuary close to Shah Pori's Island in the Sabrang Union. The deceased, Mosleh Uddin (35), was a resident of Charfashion in Bhola district.
The Coast Guard has not disclosed the identities of the detainees. Among them, 11 are Bangladeshi nationals, and five are Rohingyas.
Commander Jalal Uddin stated that early in the morning, Coast Guard members spotted a trawler arriving from Myanmar near the Naf River estuary. When instructed to stop, the individuals on the trawler opened fire at the Coast Guard members, who retaliated in self-defense. One drug smuggler was killed during the gunfight. The trawler was later intercepted, and 16 individuals were detained. Three homemade firearms, three bullets, and 10,000 Yaba tablets were seized. The body was handed over to Teknaf Police Station.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Teknaf Model Police Station, Mohammad Gias Uddin, said the body of the deceased drug smuggler was sent to the morgue at Cox's Bazar Hospital for post-mortem examination.
