At least eighteen people died and nearly 51 lakh people were affected as floods wreaked more havoc in vast areas of 11 districts. Of the total deaths, four died in Cumilla, one in Feni, five in Chattogram, three in Noakhali, one each in Brahmanbaria and Laxmipur and three in Cox’s Bazar districts, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said in a statement updated at 7pm on Saturday. So far, some 50,93,539 people have been affected and a total of 3,513 shelter centers have been opened where 3,01,993 people and 21,695 cattle took shelter. Meanwhile, a sum of Tk 3.52 crore has been allocated in the 11 flood-hit districts while 20,150 tonnes of rice, 15,000 packets/sacks of dry foods and baby foods and fodder worth Tk 70 lakh were allocated. A total of 769 medical teams have been kept prepared to provide medical treatment in the flood affected areas and the army personnel and district civil surgeons are providing medical services. Besides, adequate relief materials have been stocked in all districts of the country, said the ministry adding that the deputy commissioners of the flood-affected districts have been instructed to work together in coordination with the coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, army, navy, medical team and other volunteers. A control room has been opened in the ministry to monitor the flood situation and a hotline number 02-55101115 was opened to provide immediate services. Advisor and Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief visited the flood affected areas to monitor the flood situation and the adviser is curently staying at Feni. Those interested in providing assistance to the victims of the recent severe floods can send the assistance to the Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund at the following account name and number. Account Name: 'Principal Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund', Bank: Sonali Bank Corporate Branch, Chief Adviser's Office, Account No: 0107333004093. Earlier, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Kamrul Hasan said there is no possibility of heavy rainfall in the northeastern part of the country and adjoining upstream in the next 24 hours. The flood situation in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts adjacent to the Manu, Khowai and Dholai rivers is likely to improve during this period, he added. Besides, there is no possibility of heavy rainfall in the southeastern part of the country and adjoining upstream in the next 24 hours.  Flood situation is expected to improve in the adjoining areas of Muhuri, Feni, Gumti and Halda rivers in Feni, Cumilla and Chattogram districts of the region.

The Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman said on Tuesday that the Army has provided shelter to individuals whose lives were in danger, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. He emphasized that the current government is seeking to implement some reforms and hold a free and fair election, and the Army is fully committed to supporting them in achieving these goals. He made these remarks during a briefing at Rajshahi Cantonment on Tuesday afternoon. In response to a question about whether the detained Awami League leaders from airports or border posts would be formally arrested, the army chief said that while the army has provided shelter to those whose lives were threatened, anyone against whom there are legal allegations will face justice. He stressed that the army is committed to preventing any extrajudicial actions against these individuals. Read more: Money launderers won’t be allowed to sleep in peace: New Bangladesh Bank Governor The army chief also highlighted the importance of recovering weapons looted from the police. Several have already been recovered, and the search is ongoing and expressed his hope that the remaining weapons would also be recovered soon. General Waker reassured that the situation has stabilized and is now under control, thanks to the combined efforts of all parties involved and also acknowledged the support received from the media and expressed gratitude for their cooperation. He noted that the police are currently under some stress but are gradually resuming their duties effectively. The army continues to provide protection to the police, and once the situation normalizes further, the army will return to its cantonment. Until then, the army will remain engaged. Regarding concerns about possible harsh measures similar to "Operation Clean Heart" or the "One-Eleven" political interventions, he assured that the army will not adopt such strict approaches. Instead, the army is committed to fully supporting the government’s efforts to implement reforms and ensure a free and fair election. Addressing questions about foreign pressure, the army chief confirmed that there is no external pressure, although there has been some discussion concerning minority issues. He mentioned that around 30 incidents related to minority unrest have occurred in 20 districts, but none in the eight districts of the Rajshahi division, which is a positive sign. The army aims to maintain the peaceful environment and continue working towards the country’s progress. On the matter of army vehicles being burned in Gopalganj, the army chief described it as a misunderstanding. The situation is now normal, and dialogue has been established with the local leaders. He assured that those responsible for the incident would be investigated and brought to justice. Earlier, the army chief held a meeting with administrative officials in the Rajshahi region to discuss the situation. Present at the meeting were Dr. Dewan Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi; Anisur Rahman, DIG of Rajshahi Range; Bipul Vijay Talukdar, Metropolitan Police Commissioner; and Shami Ahmed, District Commissioner of Rajshahi, along with officials from RAB-5 and BGB. Read more: Sheikh Hasina, 24 others sued over student killed in Dhaka’s Mirpur during protest

The White House has ruled out any involvement of the United States behind the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government, stressing that it is false. "So, we have had no involvement at all. Any — any reports or rumors that the United States government was involved in these — in these events is simply, simply false. That is not true," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a press briefing on August 12. She said this is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. "We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of the Bangladeshi government, and that’s where we stand," said the White House press secretary. Read more: UN calls for inclusive and transparent parliamentary election in Bangladesh "Any allegations, certainly, we will continue to say, and I have said here, is simply not true," she added. A journalist mentioned that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reported to allies that she was thrown out — or forced to be out of power because U.S. wanted to have one of the islands given to them - the United States of America. And since — because they didn’t agree to it, she was forced to resign, the questioner mentioned. She said they are going to continue to monitor the situation. Respinding to a question on Hindu community, the press secretary said when it comes to any type of human rights issues here, the US president is always — has been very consistent in speaking loud and clear in public and also privately. Read more: No reason to get affected ties with India: Foreign Affairs Adviser "Don’t have anything — and he’ll continue to do that, but don’t have any specific engagement to speak to at this time," she said.

Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Md Sohorab Hossain has said that the July 5 exam for the post of deputy assistant engineer of Bangladesh Railway will be void if the question paper was indeed leaked. "There have been allegations of question paper leaks over the past 12 years, but proving them now seems unlikely. However, if the allegations regarding the July 5 railway recruitment exam are proven, we will declare it void promptly. There is no doubt about it," he said during a press briefing at the PSC headquarters on Tuesday. Ex-driver of PSC chairman among 17 arrested over question paper leak: CID He also outlined procedural measures from paper distribution to ensuring secure delivery to examination centres. Regarding past allegations, he said that decisions on previous tests would be taken during commission meetings, emphasising the complexities involved in assessing exams conducted over the past 12 years under different leadership. Racket earned hundreds of crores of taka through medical admission test question leak in 17 years: CID "The commission will collectively decide on actions pertaining to previous tests. It's a legal matter to determine whether we have jurisdiction to annul past examinations, which requires careful consideration," added the PSC chairman. Medical admission question leak: Doctor arrested in Khulna

In response to the disruption caused by rain, the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams will be rescheduled to an earlier date from next year, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has said. On the first day of this year's HSC and equivalent exams, many candidates faced significant difficulties due to heavy rainfall. Read more: HSC exams in Sylhet’s flood-hit areas to be held later: Education Minister Many students were unable to reach their centers on time. With more rain forecasted in the coming days, the Education Board instructed that extra time be given to students arriving late at exam centers. Addressing a press briefing at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha on Sunday, the minister said, "Our exam schedule was disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic. We have mostly recovered from that. Next year, the exams will be scheduled earlier, and the HSC exams will be held during the driest season possible." Read more: HSC, equivalent exams begin

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared her recent six-day trip to Thailand as a landmark success, aimed at safeguarding Bangladesh's economic interests and elevating its regional presence. The visit, which took place from April 24 to April 29, was prompted by an invitation from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. During a press briefing at her official residence, Ganabhaban, today (May 02, 2024), Prime Minister Hasina said, "Overall, this visit was a significant step forward in our efforts to protect our economic interests and enhance our regional involvement." The trip included a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings, underscoring a commitment to strengthening ties between Bangladesh and Thailand. PM Hasina to discuss outcomes of Thailand visit at media briefing today "This official visit will serve as a milestone in our bilateral relationship and ushers in a new era of fruitful partnerships," stated Prime Minister Hasina. She also highlighted the importance of her visit to Thailand, an influential ASEAN member, as being crucial for advancing economic and diplomatic ties. "The visit will play an important role in enhancing our bilateral economic relations, including advancing talks on a free trade agreement, boosting communication, and more," she elaborated. Furthermore, Prime Minister Hasina expressed optimism regarding the impact of her discussions with Prime Minister Thavisin on the issue of Rohingya repatriation. She was also hopeful that her discussions with the Thai Prime Minister will encourage Thailand to adopt a stronger stance on the speedy repatriation of Rohingyas, both bilaterally and within the ASEAN framework. Govt steps brought unemployment down to 3 percent: PM Hasina  Prime Minister Hasina also pointed out that the visit is expected to significantly support Bangladesh's bid to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner by 2024, marking a significant step in its diplomatic endeavors in the region.

In a fervent critique of the ruling Awami League (AL), BNP's Senior Joint Secretary General, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, charged the government with sacrificing the nation's independence and dignity in exchange for support from the Indian government. Rizvi’s allegations were made during a press briefing at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Wednesday (March 20, 2024). Rizvi claimed that AL does not seek the mandate of the Bangladeshi people, instead “clinging to power through the backing of the Modi government and entering into bonds of subjugation.” He further accused the AL of perceiving Bangladesh as a “dummy state,” alleging that the real power behind the AL is not the people of Bangladesh but India. By supporting the Awami League, India is exercising control over Bangladesh, infringing upon the rights of its citizens,” Rizvi added. Read more: Law Ministry for extending Khaleda’s jail term suspension by 6 months Highlighting concerns over foreign influence, Rizvi said, “It is believed that India dictates the appointments of crucial positions like the chief of Bangladesh Police and BGB, undermining our sovereignty.” Rizvi also pointed to statements made by Indian foreign ministry officials expressing support for the Awami League ahead of the January 7 national election. “The notion of our sovereignty is being compromised under the guise of stability under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership,” he stated. The BNP leader criticized the Awami League’s acceptance of India’s alleged dominance, declaring that “people of Bangladesh will never accept the supremacy of India, even if the AL leaders have.” He clarified that the BNP's dispute lies not with the people of India but with the Indian government’s policies towards Bangladesh. Rizvi also said the “India out” campaign is gaining momentum in Bangladesh, saying that it is people’s protest against the country’s influence. Addressing the Awami League’s reaction to the campaign, Rizvi mentioned that AL leader Obaidul Quader found the social media movement “not expedient,” implying discomfort within the ruling party regarding the public’s dissent towards India’s role in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Read more: BNP leader Amanullah Aman gets bail

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will sell beef, chicken, and eggs in trucks in different spots of Dhaka city from March 10 on the occasion of the arrival of Holy Ramadan. The mobile trucks will sell beef at Tk 600 per kg, goat/mutton at Tk 900 per kg, dressed broiler chicken at Tk 280 per kg, and eggs at Tk 10.50 per piece. The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Abdur Rahman MP informed this to reporters in a press briefing on Monday. Simeen Hossain briefs JS on steps to prevent rampant child marriage The minister spoke in a press briefing after the session with deputy commissioners on food, livestock, and fisheries held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday. Abdur Rahman said, “We will strictly control the market in the month of Ramadan. This mobile vending program will help regulate the market during Ramadan.” He said, initially, the products will be sold at 30 spots in Dhaka city. This is an interim initiative of the government. It will be inaugurated on March 10, and the program will continue until the day before Eid. 50 lakh families to get 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice under VGF during Ramadan: Food Minister In response to a query, the minister said this activity on the truck-sale program will be held in 30 places in Dhaka. The program will try to expand to more places according to the ability.

During a recent trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Salman Fazlur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Private Industry and Investment, sought extended credit terms to alleviate Bangladesh's pressing dollar crisis. This request was made to facilitate longer payment periods for fuel imports from Saudi Arabia, a critical concern given the current financial constraints. In a press briefing held on Tuesday (February 06, 2024) at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) building upon his return, Rahman shared insights from his three-day visit. “Currently, we have a 45-day window to settle payments for fuel imports from Saudi Arabia. Given the dollar scarcity, extending this to a year would greatly benefit us. The Saudi officials have agreed to consider this proposal,” Rahman disclosed. Rahman represented Bangladesh at the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) meeting, emphasizing Bangladesh’s firm stance against terrorism and the misuse of Islam to justify such acts. “Terror has no religion, and by fostering cooperation among Islamic nations through the IMCTC, we aim to combat the defamation of Islam by terrorism,” he stated. Read: President urges KSA to invest more in Bangladesh The advisor highlighted the unanimous condemnation of the ongoing crises in Gaza by meeting participants, alongside a collective call for resolution. The plight of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh was also addressed, with a commitment to seek solutions. On the economic front, Rahman revealed Saudi investors’ interest in establishing a special economic zone in Bangladesh. “We are keen to allocate an economic zone to Saudi Arabia within Bangladesh. Their investment minister has shown enthusiasm for this project,” Rahman noted. Additionally, plans are underway to bolster Bangladesh’s agricultural sector through the joint establishment of a urea fertilizer plant in Saudi Arabia. “This collaboration aims to ensure a steady supply of fertilizers, enhancing our agricultural output. The proposal has been warmly received, with a feasibility study due to conclude by March,” he explained, highlighting the opportunity for private sector involvement alongside government-to-government initiatives. Read more: KSA's Majlish E Shura Council President Abdullah arrives in Dhaka

After boycotting the  national election, BNP has now decided not to join the upcoming upazila parishad polls under the current government. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi came up with the announcement at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. "We have always said that any election under Sheikh Hasina will never be peaceful, credible and fair. So, BNP had taken a decision not to go to any election under her. BNP still stands by that decision,” he said. Earlier on Monday, Awami League Central Working Committee at an emergency meeting decided not to field party candidates and allocate party’s election symbol “boat” in any local government polls, including the upcoming elections to city corporations, municipalities and upazila parishads. Read more: 'India deepened ties with AL, not people of Bangladesh': Rizvi Asked what BNP will do if the elections are held without party symbols, Rizvi said, “We’re saying that the elections will not be fair under this government…we’re still stick to our decision of not going to any polls under Sheikh Hasina since no free and fair election can ever be held under her.” Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman on Monday said the first phase of upazila polls can be held by April 30 considering the beginning of the SSC examinations in February and the fasting month in March. Justifying their decision to boycott the upcoming upazila polls, Rizvi said the country’s people know how the 12th parliamentary election was held under Sheikh Hasina and what were the results and nature of that polls. He said it was also proved through the national elections in 2014 and 2018 that credible polls are not possible under the Awami League government. “Sheikh Hasina in no way believes in democracy, no matter what statements she makes. She doesn’t believe in the power of the people, the will of the people,” the BNP leader said. He said the government conducted a strange and farcical election as per its master plan with the support of its masters as it is least bothered about democracy and public opinions. Read more: Moyeen Khan expects AL govt to fall apart 'like a house of cards'