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The gap between myth and reality in election finance
Dhaka, Nov 24 (UNB) - The 11th parliamentary elections slated for December 30 represent the first real test for new election expenditure allowances.
The legal limit on election expenses for each contesting candidate is determined on a per capita basis, and varies in line with the size of the electorate in each constituency, with a uniform ceiling that applies for everyone.
In the wake of a recent gazette notification, candidates are allowed spending of Tk 10 per voter (previously Tk 8) in their constituency. That means candidates in Jhalakathi-1 for example - the smallest electorate in the country numbering 178,785 - are restricted to legally spending even less than Tk 18 lakh.
The new ceiling of Tk 25 lakh (2.5 million) thus comes into play for constituencies with more than 250,000 voters (2.5 lakh) - some 275 of the 300 constituencies fall in that category. So we may take Tk 25 lakh spending limit - to which it was raised from Tk 15 lakh prior to the 10th parliamentary elections in 2014 - as applicable to most candidates.
Virus cripples Satkhira shrimp sector; farmers counting huge losses
Satkhira, Nov 23 (UNB) – A viral attack has devastated the shrimp enclosures in the district, leaving the sector in limbo as the farmers are counting huge losses due to the widespread death of shrimp and its falling price.
High sewing fashion show in city Saturday featuring spouses of diplomats
Dhaka, Nov 22 (UNB) - When appeals are in plenty to save millions of underprivileged children across the world, the foreign friends of Bangladesh here have come forward with a unique idea to help those children by raising funds through hosting a fashion show to be held in the city on Saturday.
Election-craze in Bangladesh and the curious case of Hero Alom
Dhaka, Nov 21 (UNB) - In recent times, have not only the prominent movie-tv stars, singers bought nomination papers for different parties to partake in upcoming 11th national election, but a weird bunch of celebrities too have jumped the election wagon; of which, the name Hero Alom catches attention the most.
India not to compromise with Jamaat; wants peaceful Bangladesh
Dhaka, Nov 20 (UNB) – India wants to see the continuation of great momentum that exists in its relations with “stable and peaceful” Bangladesh, renewing its stance that it will never compromise with Jamaat, said a highly-placed source in New Delhi.
Country’s first ‘smart school’ starts its silent journey in Chuadanga
Chuadanga, Nov 20 (UNB) – The government has introduced the country’s first ‘Smart School’ in sadar upazila here, aiming to stop school dropouts and make learning easier and more enjoyable.
Int'l support must for Bangladesh to make shift to inclusive edu for Rohingyas: Unesco
Dhaka, Nov 20 (UNB) - International support is vital for countries like Bangladesh to make the shift to inclusive education ensuring education for Rohingyas living in Bangladesh, said a new global report on Tuesday.
Blind man wants to ‘see politics’
Dhaka, Nov 20 (UNB) – With a dream to be a voice for the disabled community in Parliament, a blind man has collected a nomination paper of Jatiya Party to contest the 11th national election slated for December 30.
BNP gets into full election mood, asks aspirants to work together
Dhaka, Nov 19 (UNB) – The BNP nomination board on Monday gave strong messages to its nomination seekers to stay united and refrain from intra-party conflicts and violence as the party wants to return to power through a credible and peaceful general election.
Festivity in the air as Rash Mela at Dublar Char nears
Khulna, Nov 19 (UNB) – Alor Kole at Dublar Char in the Sundarbans has taken a festive look with the presence of huge devotees and visitors as Rash Mela, a 3-day traditional festival of the Hindu community, is set to begin on Wednesday.
Forest Department has taken all the necessary preparations for the smooth movement of devotees while law enforcers are patrolling the area for ensuring their security, said Abu Saleh, an assistant conservator of Khulna Range.
Every year, Hindu devotees flock to Dublar Char for taking holy bath with the sunrise, aiming to have their desires fulfilled. The people of other religions also gather there to enjoy the festivity.
Dublar Char, a remote char area, gets abuzz with the presence of hundreds of boats, trawlers and launches as devotees and other visitors hire those to reach the spot. Nature-lovers also enjoy the beauty of the Sundarbans through their boat journeys during the period.
Local traders also throng here with daily essentials, fruits and sweets. Cultural programmes are also arranged on the occasion.
Bashirul Al-Mamun, an official of Sundarbans West zone Forest Department, said several mobile teams have been formed to conduct drives and maintain law and order during the festival.
The visitors are required to take permission from the authorities concerned to visit the area and pay a specific amount of fee.
The Forest Department has fixed eight routes for entering Dublar Char like the previous years.