The High Court asked for information about Rohingya voters. Three person including Deputy Comissioner of Cox's Bazar, the Election Commission have been asked to submit this list to the court by June 6. At the same time, 38 Rohingyas have been asked to be removed from the voter list of Eidgah Union of Cox's Bazar. A High Court bench of justice Naima Haydar and justice Kazi Zeenat Haque passed an order on Wednesday (April 24). The judge issued this order following the writ of local voter Hamidur Rahman. Supreme Court lawyer Md Siddik Ullah Mia, on behalf of local voter Md Hamidur Rahman, lodged a writ petition with the High Court on Tuesday seeking directives for the exposure of the number of Rohingyas enlisted as voters in Cox's Bazar. Additionally, it called for instructions to exclude them from the voter registry and to halt polling in Eidgaon union until the list is revised. Advocate Md Siddik Ullah Mia said that 38 Rohingyas have taken National Identity Card (NID) of Bangladesh after being included in the voter list of Eidgaon union. 

Taylor Swift has joined Elon Musk as ranking among the world's wealthiest people, according to a new rich list. The American pop star entered the Forbes World's Billionaires List for the first time with $1.1bn (£877m), along with Sam Altman, creator of the AI chatbot ChatGPT on $1bn (£800m). LVMH French luxury goods titan Bernard Arnault and his family topped the chart with an estimated $233bn (£185bn). Forbes said there were a record 2,781 billionaires for 2024. The figure is 141 more than last year and 26 more than the previous record set in 2021. Forbes added the elite were richer than ever - with a collective wealth of $14.2tn (£11.3tn). Singer-songwriter Swift entered the rich list after achieving megastar status. She stole the show at this year's Grammy Awards, becoming the first performer to win the prize for album of the year four times. Her album 1989 (Taylor's Version) was also the best-selling vinyl LP of last year. Swift's success is not just confined to the world of music. Her mere presence at American football games to watch her boyfriend Travis Kelce has been credited with raising NFL viewing figures. After Frenchman Mr Arnault and his family, Mr Musk, the owner of Tesla and X, formerly Twitter, is listed second, with an estimated net worth of $195bn (£155bn). He is followed in third by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos. Musk's riches are up 8% from last year but down on his net worth in November 2021, when he became the first person ever to be worth $300bn (£239bn). Also joining Forbes's list is basketball legend Magic Johnson with wealth of $1.2bn (£950m) and TV producer Dick Wolf, behind the US Law and Order and Chicago PD series, also on $1.2bn. Chase Peterson-Withorn, senior editor on wealth for Forbes, said it had been an "amazing" year for the world's richest people. "A record-breaking 14 centi-billionaires have 12-figure fortunes. Even during times of financial uncertainty for many, the super-rich continue to thrive," he added. The $100bn Club Forbes said the class of billionaires for 2024 were 255% richer than a decade ago, now worth $2tn (£1.59tn) in all, meaning just 0.5% of the world's 2,781 billionaires hold 14% of all billionaire wealth. Geographically, the US still has more billionaires than any other country, with a record 813 on the list. China remains second, followed by India. In the UK, hedge fund manager Michael Platt is the richest person, followed by part-owner of Manchester United Sir Jim Ratcliffe and inventor Sir James Dyson. Source: BBC  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead a 36-member Cabinet, including 25 full ministers and 11 ministers of state.   Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain unveiled the names on Wednesday (Jan 10) evening. The ministers are—   AKM Mozammel Haque (Gazipur-1) Obaidul Quader (Noakhali-5) Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun (Narsingdi-4) Asaduzzaman Khan (Dhaka-12) Dipu Moni (Chandpur-3) Tajul Islam (Cumilla-9) Faruk Khan (Gopalganj-1) Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali (Dinajpur-4) Anisul Huq (Bahmanbaria-4) Hasan Mahmud (Chattogram-7) Abdus Shahid (Moulvibazar-4) Sadhan Chandra Majumder (Naogaon-1) RAM Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury (Brahmanbaria-3) Abdur Rahman (Faridpur-1) Narayan Chandra Chand (Khulna-5) Abdus Salam (Mymensingh-9) Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury (Chattogram-9) Farhad Hossain (Meherpur-1) Md Faridul Haque Khan (Jamalpur-2) Md Zillul Hakim (Rajbari-2) Saber Hossain Chowdhury (Dhaka-9) Jahangir Kabir Nanak (Dhaka-13) Nazmul Hasan (Kishorganj-6) Architect Yafesh Osman (technocrat) and Samanta Lal Sen (technocrat)   The state ministers are—   Begum Simin Hossain Rimi (Gazipur-4) Nasrul Hamid (Dhaka-3) Zunaid Ahmed Palak (Natore-3) Mohammad A Arafat (Dhaka-17) Md Mohibur Rahman (Patuakhali-4) Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury (Dinajpur-2) Zahid Faruk (Barishal-5) Kujendra Lal Tripura (Khagrachhari) Begum Rumana Ali (Gazipur-3) Shafikur Rahman Chowdhury (Sylhet 2) and Ahsanul Islam Titu (Tangail-6)    

In the eyes of Hindustan Times and Film Companion, Jaya and Bandhan have made it to the list of the best of this year. Jaya Ahsan made her Bollywood debut on December 8. Jaya's first Bollywood movie, 'Karak Singh' was released on Z5. The movie has been watched for over 200 million minutes in two weeks. After the release of the movie, the response was mixed, but Jaya Ahsan acting was praised. Hindustan Times, has prepared a list of the best-performing web content released in 2023. Jaya Ahsan is now in the list. Although the report titled 'Outstanding on OTT: Breakout Performance' did not mention any list, Jaya Ahsan's name and picture came first. With the actress commenting, “It's a clean and multi-layered character, one might say out of my comfort zone. If the audience likes it, that's definitely a big deal for me. Some have said my screen presence could have been a little more, but I think the character is quite strong. I am now looking for something new like this.” Jaya Ahsan is happy to get a place on the best list with her first movie in Bollywood. "It was surprising for me," Jaya told the media. A list of men and women name has been prepared and I am happy that my name is there in the list. Like Jaya, Bandhan's name entered the best list with his first Bollywood movie, 'Khufia'. Indian media outlet Film Companion has revealed the names of five female-centric films for 2023. This Bangladeshi actress is in second place in the list titled 'Coolest Heroines of the Year'. After hearing such news, Bandhan said, “Any recognition is a pleasure, as it speeds up work. At the end of the year, it feels good to have added a new feather of success to the career. After seeing the list, I sent a message to director Vishal Bharadwaj and expressed my gratitude.”

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the cricketers list of central contracts. On Saturday, January 21, through a press release BCB announced the list of central contracts. For 2023, total 21 cricketers have got the chance in the list of central contracts. Among them, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed got the chance in all formats. For the very first time, Zakir Hasan and Hasan Mahmud heared the good news of being enlisted in the central contract list of BCB. From the previous contract list, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam and Mohammad Naim have dropped out. Take a look at BCB's new contract list: ODI, Test and T20: Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taskin Ahmed. ODI and Test: Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim. Test and T20: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Nurul Hasan. Test: Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Zakir Hasan. ODI and T20: Afif Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman. ODI: Mahmudullah Riyad. T20: Nasum Ahmed, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahedi Hasan and Hasan Mahmud.

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, re-elected as Awami League president for the tenth time. For the third consecutive time, Obaidul Quader was elected as general secretary of Awami League.  No change in other roles of the Party including Presidium Members, Joint General Secretary and Organising Secretary  On Saturday, December 24, Election commissioner and Party member of the advisory council Yusuf Hossain Humayun, declared the names of the of the new elected leadership in the second phase of the Party's 22nd national conference held at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital Dhaka. The Elected Presidium Member-- Matia Chowdhury, Sheikh Salim, Kazi Zafarullah, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain,Pijush Kanti Bhattacharjee, Nurul Islam Nahid, Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Lt. Col. Muhammad Faruk Khan (Retd.), Mostofa Jalal Mohiuddin, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Shajahan Khan, Abdur Rahman, A. H. M. Khairuzzaman Liton, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury,Advocate Qamrul Islam, Simeen Hussain Rimi. The Elected Joint General Secretary-- Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Dipu Moni, Hasan Mahmud, AFM Bahauddin Nasim. The Elected Organizing Secretary-- Ahmed Hossain, B. M. Muzammel Haque, Abu Sayeed Al Mahmood Swapon, S M Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Md. Afzal Hossain, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, Sujit Roy Nandi. H. N. Ashequr Rahman (Treasurer), Waseqa Ayesha Khan (Finance and Planning Affairs Secretary), Dr. Shammi Ahmed (International Affairs Secretary), Najibullah Hiru (Law Affairs Secretary), Faridun Nahar Laili (Agriculture and Cooperative Affairs Secretary), Salim Mahmud (Information and Research Secretary), Md. Aminul Islam (Relief and Social Welfare Secretary), Barrister Biplab Barua (Office Secretary), Sirajul Mostafa (Religion Secretary), Abdus Sobhan Golap (Publicity and Publication Secretary), Delwar Hossain (Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary), Engr. Md Abdus Sabur (Science and Technology Affairs Secretary), Jahanara Begum (Women Affairs Secretary). Mrinal Kanti Das (Liberation war affairs Secretary), Shamsun Nahar (Education and human resource affairs Secretary), Md. Siddiqur Rahman (Industry and trade affairs Secretary), Ashim Kumar Ukil (Culturul Affairs Secretary), Rokeya Sultana (Health and Population Affairs Secretary), and  Sayem Khan (Deputy Office Secretary). 

In yet another recognition of India's commitment to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources, the globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label "Blue Flag", has been accorded to two new beaches - Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep. This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification to 12. Announcing this proud moment in a Twitter message, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav expressed happiness and congratulated everyone stating that it is a part of India's relentless journey towards building a sustainable environment led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Lakshadweep after Minicoy, Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach made it to the coveted list of Blue Beaches, an eco-label given to the cleanest beaches in the world.   He highlighted India's remarkable coastline and lauded the passion among Indians to further coastal cleanliness. The Prime Minister tweeted, "This is great! Congratulations, particularly to the people of Lakshadweep, for this feat. India's coastline is remarkable and there is also a great amount of passion among our people to further coastal cleanliness." The Thundi Beach is one of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago where white sand is lined by the turquoise-blue water of the lagoon. It is a paradise for swimmers and tourists alike. The Kadmat Beach is especially popular with cruise tourists who visit the island for water sports. It is a paradise for nature lovers with its pearl white sand, blue lagoon waters, its moderate climate and friendly locals. Both the beaches have designated staff for beach cleanliness and maintenance; and for safety and security of swimmers. Both the beaches comply with all the 33 criteria as mandated by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE). The other Indian beaches in the blue list are Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha, Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches.   Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) accords the globally recognized eco-label - Blue Flag certification. In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. The mission of Blue Flag is to promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.   Source: ANI

The Search Committee has prepared a preliminary list of 20 candidates for the posts of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners.   Cabinet Secretary (Reforms and Coordination) Md Samsul Arefin informed the matter to BSS this afternoon saying that a preliminary list of 20 people has been prepared from the proposed names as per the qualifications given by the law at the 5th meeting of the search committee held today (Saturday) in Dhaka with the presence of all its members.   The final list would be prepared within the next two meetings, he said, adding that the next meeting of the search committee will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at 4.30 pm.   Search committee chief Justice Obaidul Hassan presided over the 5th meeting.   Search committee members High Court Division Justice SM Kuddus Zaman, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Mohammed Sohrab Hossain, former Election Commissioner Mohammed Sohul Hossain and Writer Prof Anwara Syed Haq joined the meeting.   The search committee held its 4th meeting at the Judges' Lounge of the Bangladesh Supreme Court building on February 16.   Earlier, the search committee held meetings with 47 eminent personalities in four phases on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday last for receiving suggestions in forming the next EC.   On Monday last, the Cabinet Division, which is providing secretarial support to the search committee, published 322 names which the political parties, professional bodies and individuals proposed to include in the search committee for formation of the next EC on its website.   The search committee will have to propose 10 names to the President. Then the president will select five names for forming the next EC as per the law. Source: BSS AH

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

As violence by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan's (TLP) supporters continues to rage in Lahore and other cities, Pakistan's Punjab government has placed more than 100 clerics of the outlawed group on the list of terrorism and sectarianism suspects. A top official of the Punjab Home Department confirmed that the decision has been taken on the recommendation of the District Intelligence Committees. He said over 100 TLP clerics have been placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the News International reported. According to him, the number of Fourth Schedulers could be increased as the Home Department is receiving recommendations from all deputy commissioners of the province. Sources claimed that their assets have been frozen under the law and their national identity cards and bank accounts have been blocked. Additionally, their names would be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) by the Interior Ministry. The Fourth Schedule is a list on which suspects of terrorism and sectarianism are placed under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997. The names of Fourth Schedulers are referred to the local police and law-enforcement agencies for effective monitoring. If a Fourth Scheduler wants to move somewhere, he has to inform the nearby police station. The assets of the clerics would be probed by the Counterterrorism Department. Furthermore, the Home Department has asked to freeze all properties owned by the TLP. "After this letter, the TLP would not be able to sell properties including seminaries, agriculture land, etc," said the official. "Sealing of offices of the banned TLP would be decided by the Ministry of Interior," said the official, adding that all DCs have been directed to restrain the movement of TLP workers towards Islamabad. TLP has recently been banned by the Pakistan government after violent protests following the arrest of their chief Saad Hussain Rizvi in Lahore on April 12. TLP Pakistan is a hardline religious group with a massive following across Pakistan. Recently, clashes broke out between TLP supporters and law enforcers. On Sunday, the city of Lahore became a battleground as workers of the recently banned party and policemen clashed. TLP workers also took 11 policemen hostage, who were later released after the first round of talks with the government. The government is currently engaging in talks with the workers of the TLP after a clash with the police in Lahore on Sunday. The deadlock between the government and TLP over the ongoing protests across the country continued, as the banned party demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, the expulsion of the French ambassador to Pakistan, and the immediate release of the party chief Syed Saad Hussain Rizvi as well as the workers.