Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Thursday asked the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to get ready to ensure a fair and acceptable national election expected to be held by early next year. He came up with the remark while talking to journalists after the meeting with the DCs in the last session of the three-day ‘DC Conference-2023’ at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. “We said our security agencies are now capable of facing any challenges, they will be able to tackle any situation with their patriotism, experiences and abilities during the elections”, he said. “Indeed, we will not have anything to do at that time (election time). The ministry will only do its routine work. The main responsibilities will remain on the Election Commission (EC) and security agencies will also be under them (EC),” the home minister said. “You (DCs) stay ready to offer a fair election as your roles in holding the elections are crucial,” he said adding that the country's people have been seeking a fair and acceptable election as well as the entire world. Addressing the roles of the DCs in curbing the drugs, he asked them to play an important role in handling the challenge. Read more: BNP's 'game of movements' to continue till election: Razzaque “The dreams of our 2030 and 2041 will remain incomplete unless we work on the issue (drugs),” he said. Replying to a question about the militancy, the home minister said the law enforcers could deal with the militants, but they cannot uproot it. “The militants have gone to the Chittagong Hill Tract region from here while we uprooted their dens there too,” the minister said. Replying to another question, Asaduzzaman suspected that the militants may lure the Rohingyas if they stay in the country for a long time. He also said that law enforcers including members of the APBN, army and intelligence agencies have remained vigilant about the smuggling of Yaba as a section of Rohingyas are involved with the illicit business. Read more: BNP ridicules AL's fair election desire

High Court issued contempt of court rule against five people including the Director General of Environment Department and Deputy Commissioner of Habiganj district for not determining the damage to a canal and locals due to pollution caused by ‘Maar’ company in Madhabpur upazila. Bench of justice Md Mojibur Rahman Mia and Justice Kamrul Hossain Molla passed the order and asked the five government officials to submit their response to the rule within 14 days after receiving the notice. Director of Department of Environment (monitor and enforcement), Director of Sylhet Environment Department and Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Madhabpur are the other officials against whom the rule has been issued. READ: HC issues rule on depiction of smoking in movies, theatre On March 15 the High Court bench ordered to submit a report within two months determining the pollution and damage of Ektiarpul canal and peoples in the area and to shut activity of the company for three months followed by a writ petition filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA). Later on June 15, the court ordered to keep the company shut for three months more. However, the directed officials didn’t submit the report even after extending the time for 15 days. READ: HC to resume hearings on anticipatory bail pleas Aug 22 During a hearing on the plea of Maar Company to open the factory today the court rejected the appeal and issued the rule against those five officials, said lawyer of BELA Sayeed Ahmed Kabir presenting petitioner’s side.

The government has appointed new deputy commissioners to two districts -- Chapainawabganj and Shariatpur.

About 30 tonnes of carp  variety of fish fry will be released in different parts of Kaptai Lake during this year’s three-month fishing ban.   Officials of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) Rangamati office came up with the information at fish fry release inauguration programme in the lake on Sunday.   Deputy Commissioner (DC) AKM Mamunur Rashid inaugurated the programme from BFDC’s Fishery Ghat in the district.   Among others, BFDC Manager Commander Mohammad Touhidul Islam, sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fatematuzzohra Upoma and other senior officials were present at the programme.   VGF rice distribution programme was also inaugurated among 22,000 fishermen who are dependent on Kaptai Lake.   The nets seized during illegal fishing in Kaptai Lake were also burnt down.   BFDC issued a three-month ban on fishing in the Kaptai Lake which came into effect from May 1 to ensure boosting fish population.   The DC said Kaptai Lake’s fish is a valuable resource for the country. Fish production in Kaptai Lake should be increased for the development of the national economy.   “This requires the concerted efforts of all. All must work together to increase fish production. To ensure the natural reproduction of fish, everyone must strictly follow the instructions to stop fishing this season. Then we will be able to reach the target of fish production,” he added.