Metro rail services will be closed for two during Eid-ul-Fitr. As a result, the metro rail movement will be closed for two consecutive days on the occasion of Eid. The day after Eid al-Fitr is Friday. That day is the weekly holiday of Metro rail.  Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, deputy manager of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), confirmed the matter on Wednesday morning (April 10). He said, according to the previous announcement, the metro rail will be closed on the Eid day. Metro services were also suspended on Eid last year. Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan said in the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, an average of 2,40,000 passengers traveled daily on the metro rail. Before Ramadan, the number was 295,000. The number of passengers has increased after the metro rail increased by one hour from 16 Ramadan. In the last five days, an average of 2 lakh 90 thousand passengers have traveled.  

The public relations offices of Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and Ministry of Education have officially informed that the secondary level schools of the country will remain open till March 25. Government primary schools will remain open for the first 10 days of Ramadan means class activities will continue in primary schools till March 21. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Tuesday (March 12) stayed a High Court order that stayed the government's decision to keep schools open during the holy month of Ramadan.  Earliar, A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Sunday against the Education Ministry's decision to keep schools open till the scheduled date during Ramadan.  

The High Court has issued a order about the closure of primary and secondary schools throughout the upcoming month of Ramadan. At the same time, the notification to keep schools open during Ramadan has also been suspended. The High Court bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat passed the order following a writ petition. The High Court has issued a rule asking why the decision to keep the school open should not be canceled. The notification to keep the school open has also been suspended for two months. Earlier, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Elias Ali Mondal filed the writ petition with the concerned branch of the High Court on February 25. He challenged the legality of the government's decision to keep schools open during the month of holy Ramadan.

The government has decided to keep the government and private secondary schools open for 15 days during the month of Ramadan. The academic activities of secondary schools will continue from March 11 to 25, said a notification of the Ministry of Education signed by Public Relations Officer Mohammad Abul Khayer. As per the notification, the government has brought some changes the holiday list of the educational institutions in 2024.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Saturday (Jan 27) said Bangladesh’s security forces along the Myanmar border remain alert amid growing tensions in the neighbouring country. He said tensions prevailed in Myanmar with brief pauses and Bangladesh forces have remained alert from much earlier. Talking to reporters at the state guesthouse Padma, the foreign minister said such a tense situation will certainly have a negative impact on the efforts to repatriate Rohingyas to their place of origin in Myanmar. But, he added, the Myanmar government will feel compelled to take back their nationals if the international community puts pressure on them. “We always seek the international community’s cooperation,” he said. During his meeting with the visiting British cross-party parliamentary delegation, the foreign minister discussed the Rohingya repatriation issue. “Repatriation of the Rohingyas is the only solution. That is the durable and permanent solution. That is what I told them and they agreed with me,” Hasan said. The foreign minister mentioned that there are multiple issues concerning security and environment, and the Rohingya camps might become a breeding ground for militancy. “We are overburdened. We provided them shelter on humanitarian grounds.”  

The temperature dropped to as low as 9.8°C in Jessore on Monday, but educational institutions remained open despite the weather conditions.  The district education office said they have not taken any decision on the matter so far. Parents were bringing their children to school braving the severe cold in the morning. According to the BMD’s Jessore office, the sunlight may only be visible for one or two hours in the afternoon. Primary and secondary schools, including Jessore Zilla School and Jessore Collectorate School, were open on Monday morning. No school closure has been announced so far at the upazila level either. Noorani Begum, the mother of a student at Jessore Zilla School, said: “I bring my child to school by rickshaw in winter. Our hands and feet are turning black in the cold. Despite this, there is nothing we can do as the school is open.” Jessore Collectorate School Headmaster Modasser Ali said he has not received any instructions from the education office regarding the closure of the school. Jessore Education Officer Mahfuzul Hossain said: “We came to know that the temperature dropped below 10 degrees in the morning. I have informed the higher officials. As the temperature fluctuates, no decision has been taken yet.” On January 16, the DSHE issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the maximum temperature drops below 10°C.

The caretaker government on Monday approved up to 193% increase in gas prices to recover additional Rs350 billion from consumers for saving gas companies from bankruptcy but turned down a move to completely abolish subsidies for richest exporters and industrialists. For the domestic consumers, the prices have been increased up to 172% while for commercial consumers the increase is 137% and for cement manufacturers the increase in gas prices was 193% with effect from November 1. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet allowed the increase in gas prices for domestic, commercial and the compressed natural gas (CNG) users in addition to raising tariffs for only cement manufacturers. It also approved import of 1 million metric tons of wheat and 200,000 metric tons of urea to meet the country’s needs. Only the wheat import would cost the country over $250 million at existing international market rates. Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar chaired the ECC meeting, which endorsed a summary of the Petroleum Division for increasing the gas prices with effect from November 1. The matter would now be submitted before the federal cabinet for formal endorsement. “The ECC approved the summary of the Petroleum Division for increase in gas prices,” said Energy Minister Mohammad Ali said after the meeting. The finance ministry and the Planning Commission opposed provision of gas to the self-generation power plants, owned by the exporters and those industrialists selling goods in the local market. The ECC, however, overruled their objections and agreed to provide up to 44% subsidised gas to the exporters. The decision is in violation of the federal cabinet’s decision in 2021, where it had been decided to cut gas to those self-generation plants. Industry Minister Gohar Ejaz said that the gas prices for exporters and the domestic industrialists had also been increased to an average of $8.5 per mmbtu. But these rates are still $4 lower than the prevailing liquefied natural gas (LNG) rates. The government has not increased the gas prices for domestic consumers of up to 0.9 hm3 consumption. However, their fixed monthly bill has been increased from Rs10 to Rs400. The fixed monthly charge for consumption up to 1.5 hm3 has been increased from Rs460 to Rs1,000 while for consumption of over 1.5 hm3 it has been increased to Rs2,000 per month. The tariffs for the highest domestic consumption are aligned with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cost, according to the decision. The previous slab benefits are being maintained up to consumption of 4 hm3 but there will not be previous slab benefits in the last slab of non-protected domestic category. The gas price for up to 0.25 hm3 consumption has been increased by 50% to Rs300 per mmbtu, for 0.6 ohm 3 consumption has been doubled to Rs600 and for 1 hm3 consumption the rate is increased to Rs1,000 per mmbtu – an increase of 150%. For up to 1.5hm3 consumption, the ECC doubled the rate to Rs1,200 per unit, for up to 2 hm3 consumption it is also doubled Rs1,600 per mmbtu. For up to 3 hm3 consumption the maximum increase of 172% has been approved and the new price at Rs3,000 per mmbtu is set. The rates for the upper two slabs have been increased even higher than the LGP and the LNG prices. For 4 hm3 consumption, it has been increased to Rs3,500 per mmbtu and for the highest slab it has been jacked up to Rs4,000 –much higher than imported gas price – to pay for subsidies to the richest. The price revision for all categories of gas consumers is essential to prevent the two gas distribution companies – the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) – from bankruptcy. The gas sector circular debt has already peaked to Rs2.1 trillion and an increase in prices would help companies recover additional Rs395 billion from the consumers. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has determined total revenue requirement of Rs697 billion for SNGPL and SSGCL for this fiscal. The SNGPL’s requirement is estimated at Rs358 billion while SSGCL’s needs are assessed at Rs339 billion. The ECC approved increasing the prices of gas being consumed by exporters from Rs1,100 to Rs2,050 per mmbtu, an increase of Rs950 or 86%. But the rates are still Rs1,600 per mmbtu lower than the imported gas prices. Due to shortage of local gas, Pakistan imports expensive LNG and supplies it to the domestic sector in winters and to the industry throughout the year. The current cost of imported LNG was Rs3,650 or $12.5 per mmBtu. At the current rates, the exporters would get a subsidy of Rs1,600 per mmbtu, which is equal to 44% of the imported gas price. The subsidy will be paid by charging higher gas rates from domestic consumers having higher consumption, CNG consumers, commercial consumers and cement manufacturers. Similarly, for industrialists who do not export goods but have captive plants, the ECC increased the prices from Rs1,200 to Rs2,600 per mmbtu, an increase of Rs1,400 or 116%. But still these rich industrialists would get a subsidy of Rs1,050 per mmbtu, equal to 29% of the imported gas price. The finance ministry officials pushed the ECC to consider its decision about provision of subsidised gas to the exporters. The Planning Commission also supported cutting the gas supplies to the export industries and giving it to efficient power plants to achieve lower generation cost. But the ECC did not agree. Wheat import The ECC also allowed import of 1 million metric tons of wheat to maintain strategic reserves. Wheat availability for this fiscal year is estimated at 29.81 million metric tons but there will be a shortfall of 2.4 million tons, while keeping in mind the country’s strategic requirements. The country has 7.9 million metric tons of wheat stocks as of last week. The wheat prices in Pakistan remain high at Rs4,823 per 40 kilogrammes or Rs121 per kg, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The food ministry has attributed the increase to hoarding, smuggling, low public stocks and delay in public stock releases to flour mills. Passco and provincial food departments could only achieve the 75% assigned target of wheat procurement. Against the target of 7.8 million metric tons, all the departments could collectively buy 5.87 million metric tons. The ECC was informed that the imported wheat price was $245 per metric ton and after adding the freight cost it would reach Karachi at a price of Rs87 per kg -28% cheaper than the local wheat price. The ECC also allowed import of 200,000 metric tons of urea to meet the requirements for wheat sowing season. The ECC instructed for ensuring the provision of local gas to two fertiliser manufacturing plants to the extent possible. The ECC allowed the release of Rs200 million for payment of salaries of the defunct Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) as against the demand of Rs488 million. There is no provision of money for Erra in the budget, as the organisation has been closed down many years ago but the government is helpless in front of those who are sitting at the helm of the country’s affairs. Source: tribune.com.pk

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reassured the Hindu community of the country that Bangladesh Awami League (AL) will always remain beside them as in the past on Saturday, October 22.   "We, Awami League was always beside you (Hindu community), and will remain beside you . . ," she said while addressing the Hindu devotees during her visit to the Durga Puja Mandop at the Dhakeshwari National Temple this afternoon. Reports BSS   PM said the Hindu community of the country has repeatedly been attacked, but Awami League always stood beside them.   In this regard, she referred to attack, repression and torture on the Hindu community in the country in 1992 and after 2001. She said Bangladesh was even pushed back from the spirit of secularism after the brutal killing of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.   The premier extended her greetings to Hindu community members at home and abroad on their sacred religious festival Sharadiya Durga Utsab and said, "Religion is for individuals, but festival is for all."

PM emphasized the importance of maintaining the continuity of democracy and stability in order to ensure ongoing development and progress in the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed the significance of upholding democracy and stability for the continuous development and progress of the country.  She said, "Pray to Allah so that democracy and stability in the country remain intact.  Due to the long-standing democracy in the country, we have been able to transform the country into a developing nation." Prime Minister stated, "It would not have been possible to achieve this if democracy and stability were not maintained."  On Thursday, july 06, she made these remarks during the inauguration of a new office for  the officers of the parliament secretariat at the at the North Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban. Referring to the enduring struggle for democracy, the Prime Minister sheikh Hasina reminded everyone that it did not come in a day. Later, she visited various sections of the Office.  Among others, Deputy Leader of the House Matia Chowdhury, cabinet members, deputy speaker, chief whip, whips, lawmakers and officials concerned were present on the occasion.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, while taking part in the 4th Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in Dushanbe on Friday, highlighted that India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan and asserted that "nothing can change this." Following the 3rd Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi in November 2021, the National Security Advisors of Tajikistan, India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and China took part in the regional security dialogue on Afghanistan in Dushanbe. Taking forward the spirit encapsulated in the Delhi Declaration, the NSAs discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the region. The NSAs highlighted the need to find constructive ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and combat risks from terrorism emanating from the region. "India was and is an important stakeholder in Afghanistan. Special relationship with the people of Afghanistan over centuries will guide India's approach, nothing can change this," Doval added. According to sources, NSA took the opportunity to meet his counterparts from Iran, Tajikistan, Russia and other partners in the Dialogue on the sidelines of the meeting. Doval told his counterparts that the people of Afghanistan have a special place. NSA Doval highlighted the need for representation of all sections of Afghan society including women and minorities so that the collective energies of the largest possible proportion of the Afghan population feel motivated to contribute to nation-building. India has focused on infrastructure, connectivity and humanitarian assistance over the decades. After August 2021, India has already provided 17000 MT of Wheat out of a total commitment of 50000 MT, 500000 doses of Covaxin, 13 tons of essential life-saving medicines and winter clothing as well as 60 million doses of polio vaccine NSA also reiterated India's position on the distribution of aid to all sections of society. He highlighted, "Assistance should be accessible to all, respect for all obligations under international humanitarian law should be ensured." Emphasizing on the rights of women at the meet, Doval said, "Women and youth are critical for the future of any society. Provision of education to girls and employment to women and youth will ensure productivity and spur growth. It will also have a positive social impact including discouraging radical ideologies among youth." Source: Business Standard