United News of Bangladesh

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued traffic guidelines ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Members of Parliament (MP) and the newly formed cabinet, scheduled to be held on Tuesday. The swearing-in of the newly elected MPs will take place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, while members of the new cabinet will take oath at the South Plaza of the parliament complex. A large gathering is expected in and around the Parliament area throughout the day, forcing the authorities to impose restrictions in some key points from 8am to 7pm. No fear as voting proceeds peacefully despite rumours: DMP Commissioner The DMP has requested all drivers to avoid Manik Mia Avenue and Lake Road from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Feb 17 and to follow the diversion instruction to avoid traffic congestion. The vehicular movement will remain restricted from Khejur Bagan Crossing to Manik Mia Avenue and along Lake Road from July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum to Urojahaj Crossing during the event. To minimise temporary inconvenience caused by traffic control measures, DMP’s Traffic Division has arranged diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Diversion points and alternative routes: Mirpur Road to Farmgate via Manik Mia Avenue: Vehicles coming from the northern parts via Mirpur Road towards Farmgate/Sonargaon will proceed through Defence Gap and proceed through China Friendship Conference Center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing towards Farmgate. 26,515 police deployed in capital for election security: DMP Dhanmondi to Farmgate: Vehicles from Dhanmondi 27 will move via Asad Gate–Defence Gap, turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and then right towards Farmgate Crossing. Asad Gate to Farmgate Crossing: From Asad Gate, vehicles will turn left towards Ganabhaban Crossing (July Smriti Jadughar), proceed to Defence Gap, then turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and finally right towards Farmgate Crossing. Elevated Expressway/Indira Road to Dhanmondi: Vehicles coming from the Elevated Expressway or Indira Road will move via Khejur Bagan Crossing, turn right towards Urojahaj Crossing, then left towards the conference center, left again at Defence Gap and proceed via Asad Gate to Dhanmondi. Mirpur Road to Dhanmondi: As the blockade on Manik Mia Avenue will be lifted, southbound vehicles from Mirpur Road will travel via Shyamoli–Shishu Mela–Ganabhaban (July Uprising Memorial Museum)–Asad Gate towards Dhanmondi 27. Elevated Expressway: To avoid congestion during the ceremony, commuters are advised to use the FDC (Hatirjheel) ramp instead of the Farmgate exit ramp. 37 Dhaka polling centres under risk watch: DMP Commissioner

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday said the idea of holding the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad was initially expressed by BNP. “My understanding is that this parliament is somewhat different. We attained this parliament through the sacrifices of students and the masses in July, through a mass uprising marked by immense sacrifice, hardship, pain and loss of lives. That is why this parliament is a little different from all others,” he told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Besides, many historic events, including the July Declaration and the July Charter, have taken place in the parliament complex, said the adviser. “The South Plaza of this parliament is particularly memorable to us for various reasons. The funeral prayer of our late leader Begum Khaleda Zia was held at a nearby place as was the funeral of our beloved martyr Osman Hadi,” he added. Asif Nazrul said South Plaza had also emerged as a venue for documenting various aspects of the July mass uprising. “Considering all these factors, they perhaps expressed this intention, and we arranged it accordingly.” The adviser said a farewell meeting was held earlier in the day but no major decisions were taken. “We reflected on our work, shared experiences, and informed everyone about the oath programme. It was more like a final meeting together.” “The cabinet oath-taking ceremony will be held at the South Plaza at 4pm. As far as I know, the President is scheduled to administer the oath,” Nazrul said. Asked about invitees, he said those customarily invited under convention would be invited and the Cabinet Division is handling the matter. On whether the Indian Prime Minister would attend, he said he had no such information. “What I have heard so far is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the foreign ministers of SAARC countries. I have no information about any Prime Minister attending,” he said. When asked about speculations that he might be included in the next cabinet the Law Adviser said, “There is no question at all.”  

Following Awami League’s victory in the 12th National Parliamentary Election, the oath-taking ceremony of the newly formed cabinet will be held on Thursday (January 11) evening at Bangabhaban.  President Md Shahabuddin will administer the oath-taking ceremony to the prime minister, ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 7 pm Thursday, said Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain. It’s a vote robbery in name of election, says Oli Ahmed in rejecting Sunday’s vote On Sunday, the Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority in the fourth election in a row, in 299 out of 300 constituencies where voting was held, and a strong showing by independent candidates, as predicted. The ruling party candidate has won 222 seats, while independent candidates (most of them also belonging to AL) won in 62 seats. Foreign powers to show 'red card' to AL govt after election: Manna Besides, Jatiya Party secured 11 seats and three candidates from three parties -- Bangladesh Workers’ Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod and Bangladesh Kalyan Party -- secured victory in their respective constituencies.

The oath-taking ceremony of the elected members of the 12th Parliament will be held tomorrow (January 10, 2024). According to sources at the Speaker's office, the Parliament Secretariat is making preparations for the oath-taking ceremony. Read more: Envoys of Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE and others congratulate PM Hasina Awami League (AL)-backed candidates won 222 seats in Sunday's general election, while independent candidates -- most also belonging to AL -- won 62 seats. Jatiya Party candidates were victorious in 11 seats and three single candidates each from three parties -- Bangladesh Workers’ Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod and Bangladesh Kalyan Party -- secured victory in their respective constituencies. Read more: Wait to know who will be the opposition: Anisul Huq