Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on saturday (November 18)  inaugurated selling of party's nomination forms for the 12th parliamentary elections as she also collected for her. The AL chief opened the nomination paper sale at the party's central office on 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in the city this morning. AL Advisory Council Member Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed collected the nomination form for Sheikh Hasina to participate in the polls of Gopalganj-3 constituency as Gopalganj AL President Mahmud Ali Khan and General Secretary B M Sahabuddin Azam were present. At the party headquarters, 10 booths for eight divisions have been set up to sell the nomination forms among the aspirant candidates for the parliamentary elections slated for January 7. The party aspirants can collect and submit the nomination papers from 10 am on November 18 to 4 pm on November 21 every day. The interested party men can collect and submit the application forms for party nomination from the specific booths installed at the AL Bangabandhu Avenue central office in the capital. Nomination forms for the candidates of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sylhet and Chattogram divisions is being distributed from the second floor of the party office, while the aspirants from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions will have to collect nomination papers from third floor of the office. Nomination papers of all divisions will be received on the ground floor of the central office. The AL nomination aspirants can collect and submit their application forms by themselves or through a representative of the candidate without any extra gathering at the party office. At the time of collection of the application form, a candidate must bring a photocopy of National Identity Card (NID). Mobile number, name of three previous posts held by the aspirants and current organisational identity must be clearly mentioned on the photocopy. The nomination forms must be submitted within 4 pm on November 21. Surce : BSS

Commercial Floriculture in Indian administrated Jammu and Kashmir is helping the farmers to multiply their profits with the help of government-sponsored schemes and other related interventions. Commercial Floriculture, a specialized form of Horticulture aimed at augmenting the income of Growers and generating employment opportunities involves setting up of ornamental nurseries, aromatic oil crop farming like lavender, cut flower production of rose, carnation, gerbera, lilium, among others as well as bulb production of iris, daffodils, dahlia, lilium, gladiolus, peonia, cyclamen, ranunculus, etc. According to an official statement, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) like MIDH, RKVY, and ATMA are being implemented for the promotion of the commercial Floriculture Sector in Jammu and Kashmir. "The department is organizing regular sessions of training within and outside Jammu and Kashmir for farmers/growers in order to make them aware of modern trends in the floriculture sector," the statement said. "Unemployed youths and farmers register themselves under these schemes and start their own businesses in loose and cut flower production, aromatic plant cultivation, ornamental nursery and use of integrated farming for their employment and revenue generation," it added. Floriculture products mainly consist of cut flowers, pot plants, cut foliage, seeds bulbs, tubers, rooted cuttings and dried flowers or leaves. The important floricultural crops in the international cut flower trade are Rose, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gargera, Gladiolus, Gypsophila, Liatris, Nerine, Orchids, Archilea, Anthurium, Tulip, and Lilies. Notably, the cultivation of lavender as part of commercial Floriculture has changed the fortunes of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir under the 'Aroma Mission or Purple Revolution', an initiative of the Central government towards transforming the lives of UT's farmer community. "As per official data, Purple or Lavender revolution was launched in 2016 by the Union Ministry of Science and Technology through the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's (CSIR) Aroma Mission. The aim of the mission is to support domestic aromatic crop-based agro-economy by moving from imported aromatic oils to home-grown varieties," it said. Lavender cultivation is practiced in almost all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the mission, first-time farmers were given free lavender saplings while those who had cultivated lavender before were charged Rs. 5-6 per sapling. "Farmers are happy with the farming of unconventional aromatic plants under Aroma Mission. The mission promotes the cultivation of aromatic crops for essential oils that are in great demand by the aroma industry," it added. Rubbena Tabassum from Yarikalan Chadoora, Budgam has became an inspiration for many youth particularly women due to her dedication and passion which eventually helped her to set up Nursery of Flowers. Rubeena said that she started her venture titled as United Floritech with cut flowers. "I started a variety of flowers in my Nursery by adding flowers like Lilium, Glidulous and other flowers. Due to huge public demand, I had to hire additional manpower, says Rubeena. Now I am not only self-employed, but I provide employment to other workers," Rubeena said. "Department of Floriculture also contributed a lot by providing 50 per cent financial assistance to erect structure and assistance in procuring high value variety flowers which eventually resulted into flourishing of My Nursery of Flowers," she added. Bharat Bhushan, a resident of village Lehrote, Block Bhalla Doda felt proud of his decision to adopt lavender farming as his income has gradually increased beyond expectations. "Seeing my success all my fellow villagers have switched from maize to lavender farming," he said.  Source: ANI

Awami League (AL) has submitted a list of names to the search committee to form a new election commission (EC). On behalf of AL, information and research secretary of party's Central Working Committee Dr Selim Mahmud and deputy office secretary Sayem Khan submitted the list to the Cabinet Division at the secretariat around 12:30 pm today.   Deputy office secretary Sayem Khan confirmed the matter to BSS saying that he does not aware of the names of the list. Source: BSS AH

Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP) today placed a seven-point proposal, including enactment of a permanent law to constitute an acceptable Election Commission (EC) as its delegation held a dialogue with President M Abdul Hamid in the capital this evening.  The proposals include: enacting a permanent law in line with article 118 of the Constitution and appointing competent people who would be respectful to the people’s aspirations and believe in the Liberation War spirit. A seven-member NAP delegation led by party’s Acting Executive President Ivy Ahmed took part in the dialogue. The dialogue lasted for about an hour starting at about 4pm.  After the dialogue, President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS that the President held talks with NAP on the third day of the ongoing dialogue with political parties over the formation of an independent, neutral, acceptable, strong and effective Election Commission. Welcoming the NAP leaders in the talks at Bangabhaban, the President said the formation of an Election Commission is a constitutional obligation and “the prime object of the dialogue is only to form an acceptable Election Commission.” It would be possible to form an efficient, strong and acceptable EC through holding effective discussions with the political parties in phases, he added.   The head of state sought the full cooperation of all political parties in the EC formation process.  NAP representatives who attended the dialogue were: Party presidium members - Advocate Abdur Rahman and Kazi Siddiqur Rahman, acting General Secretary Ismail Hossain, Organizing Secretary Shafiq Ahmed Khan, Liberation War Affairs Secretary Partha Sarothy Chakraborty and member of secretariats Anil Chakraborty.  President Hamid held a talk with the Jatiya Party, the main opposition party in the Jatiya Sangsad, on December 20. A dialogue was held with the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) on December 22. Bangladesh Tarikat Federation will sit in a dialogue with the President at 4 pm and Khilafat Majlis at 6 pm on Monday (December 27) . The President will hold a dialogue with Bangladesh Workers’ Party on Tuesday (December 28) at 4 pm. Besides, talks with Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) and Islamic Oikya Jote will be held at 4 pm and at 6 pm respectively on Wednesday (December 29).  The dialogue will be held with Gano Forum at 6 pm and with Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) at 7 pm on January 2 (Wednesday) and talks with the Ganotantric Party and Bangladesh Communist Party , respectively will be held at 6 pm and 7 pm on January 3 (Monday). However, no date has been set for talks with other political parties. Secretaries concerned to Bangabhaban were also present in the talks. Earlier, a series of dialogues were held with the participation of political parties ahead of the ninth, tenth and eleventh parliamentary polls.  The President has the authority to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and upto four Election Commissioners.   In the last few terms, the President  formed the Election Commission on the basis of the recommendations of the 'Search Committee'.   The current EC's five-year term will expire on February 14 next year.  The President of the Republic will form a new commission, under which the 12th parliamentary elections will be held.  Source: BSS AH

President M Abdul Hamid today (Monday) sought cooperation of political parties and civil society in forming an "acceptable Election Commission" (EC) as he began consultations, with Jatiya Party (JaPa) appearing as the first political party to take part in the dialogue.    "Cooperation of all political parties and civil society members is a must to constitute the Election Commission as a very important institution," President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin quoted him as saying during the talks with main opposition party in parliament.   Abedin told BSS that JaPa floated some proposals for Presidential consideration as an eight-member delegation led by its Chairman GM Quader MP met him at Bangabhaban this afternoon as part of the dialogue process.   The Bangabhaban spokesman said President Hamid sought opinions and suggestions of different political parties to form an "independent, neutral, acceptable, strong and effective Election Commission" to conduct national elections as well as the local government ones "in a free, fair and credible manner".    The other members of the delegation were JAPA's senior co-chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud MP, secretary general Mujibul Haque Chunnu MP, presidium member and opposition chief whip in parliament Mashiur Rahman Ranga MP, co-chairmen Kazi Firoz Rashid, MP, Syed Abu Hossain Babla, MP, Salma Islam, MP and ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader.   In the dialogue, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader presented their proposals to enact a law in line with Article 116 (1) of the Constitution to form the EC and another law for ensuring full cooperation of the Executive in the EC's overall functioning under the Article 26 of the Constitution."   He said if it is not possible to enact a new law within this period, it can be done by issuing an ordinance for the formation of an independent, neutral and credible Election Commission.   The JaPa chairman said, "If it is not possible to enact new laws or issue ordinances . . . an Election Commission can be constituted through an acceptable search committee."   GM Quader expressed his party's full support to the President's initiative in this process.   "Bangabhaban is working to complete the dialogue within a very shortest possible time. The President will only sit in talks with the political parties registered with the Election Commission," Abedin said.    He said the President had expressed his desire to hold talks with all political parties registered with the EC gradually.    The dialogue with Bangladesh National Awami Party on December 26 (Sunday) at 4 pm, with the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod on the same day at 6 pm, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation at 4 pm and Khelafat Majlish at 6 pm on Dec 27, Bangladesh Workers Party on Dec 28 at 4pm, and sitting with Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) at 4 pm and Islamic Oikya Jote at 6 pm on Dec 29.     The dialogue with the ruling Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are yet to set till date, he added.   President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salah Uddin Islam, Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin and Secretary (Attachment) Md Wahidul Islam Khan were also present.    Earlier, same dialogue was held with the participation of political parties ahead of the ninth, tenth and eleventh parliamentary polls.   The President has the full authority to appoint Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and not more than four Election Commissioners. In the last few terms, the President had formed the Election Commission on the basis of the recommendations of the Search Committee.    The current EC's five-year term will end on February 14 next year. During this period, the President will form a new commission, under which the 12th parliamentary elections will be held. Source: BSS AH

The form fill up process for the SSC examinees has been suspended due to coronavirus situation in the country. It was known from the inter education coordination board that the tenure of form fill up might be extended without charging late fee. The form fill up process began on April 1 and was scheduled to complete by April 7. As the government announced countrywide lockdown so the form fill up process has been suspended. Chairman of inter-education coordination board and Dhaka education board chairman Professor Nehal Ahmed said, the ongoing form fill up has been suspended due to lockdown. Coronavirus pandemic is a national problem and after completion of lockdown the time for form fill up will be extended. The candidates will be able to fill up their forms without late fee. About extending time he said, most of the forms have been filled up. But those who could not complete will be given 4 to 5 days time to fill up the forms without late fee. As the routine for SSC examination is not finalized yet, so the time may be extended. AH    

The High Court on Sunday directed the authorities concerned of educational institutions, especially universities, across the country to form squads and committees to stop ragging. The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman also directed them to carry out the order within three months. The HC bench came up with the order after hearing a writ filed in the form of public interest litigation by advocate Esrat Hassan. Besides, the court issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why the inaction of the respondents to protect students from ragging would not be declared illegal. Home and Education secretaries, chairman of the University Grants Commission have been made respondents to the rule. Earlier on October 9, the lawyer sent a legal notice to the respondents to bring an end to ragging at educational institutions. The notice asked them to take necessary steps within seven days to form anti-ragging committees to help students round the clock and anti-ragging squads to monitor. Source: UNB AH

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, some form of democracy is better than no democracy. Some form of election is better than no election. He said these at a press conference held at Awami League president’s political office at Dhanmondi in the capital on Friday. Obaidul Quader said, this time the Dhaka North City Corporation election held in a better manner than the elections held under the tenure of other government. It was better than the city election held under the BNP regime in 2001. He said, the election held yesterday was better that the city corporation election held during BNP regime in 2001. But the major political parties will fall into big problem in national election which are not participating in the local government elections. Quader said, Sadek Hossain Khoka became mayor of Dhaka City Corporation in 2001 without vote. At that time the election was held in a voter less manner. He remained in his post for three more years than the stipulated term. So the overall matter should be considered. He said, there should be democracy and constitution should run. Rules and regulations should not be violated. It is better to conduct the election than suspension. Nobody moved BNP away from participating the election here. They willingly did not come to the election. So their criticism is not important by not participating. AH   

Law Minister Anisul Huq said, whether in which form Jamaat will come or not, in that meantime the people who were involved with Jamaat, if they committed crimes then they have to answer. He said these at the ‘Bangladesh Immigration Day’ declaration handover program at the secretariat on Tuesday. The Minister said, the case that is pending in the Appellate Division for registration cancellation of Jamaat. The High Court division has delivered verdict for cancelling the registration of Jamaat. They appealed against the verdict and that is pending in the court. If the verdict is reinstated following appeal in the High Court division then Jamaat’s registration will be cancelled and Jamaat will not remain as a political party in Bangladesh. He said, what we are trying- the anti humanitarian crimes that Jamaat committed during the liberation war in 1971, to bring those under justice. You know that the matter of criminal offenses do not turn null and void. The law minister said, whether in which form Jamaat will come or not, in that meantime the people who were involved with Jamaat, if they committed crimes then they have to answer. If any new face wants to form the party with new shape who was not involved in war crimes then will there be any legal binding- when asked about this, the minister said, we will look into the matter when he tries to do so. AH

Bangladesh Awami League nominated candidate Atiqul Islam collected nomination form for the mayoral by-election of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). Atiqul Islam’s Coordinator Mizanur Rahman collected the forms from the Returning Officer’s office of DNCC at around 2 pm on Sunday. Mentionable, the DNCC by-election for the mayor post was scheduled to hold on February 26 last year following death of the then mayor Annisul Huq. At that time Awami League nominated Atiqul Islam as their candidate in the election. The DNCC mayoral by-election is scheduled to be held on February 28. AH