Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet sworn in - 23 ministers, eight state ministers
January 7, 2009
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina was sworn-in- as the Prime Minister on Tuesday leading Bangladesh to democracy at the end of a two-year unrepresentative rule by an emergency government backed by Army. The new Prime Minister and the ministers of her cabinet were administrated the oath of office by President Iajuddin Ahmed at a simple ceremony at Bangabhaban in the evening.
SC bins govt stay petition against HC order
January 7, 2009
The Supreme Court yesterday said no to hear a government petition clearing the way for mayoral function by Chittagong City Corporation Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury. Chamber court of Justice M Tafazzal Islam refused to hear the government petition for staying the operation of a High Court order. On December 4, the High Court, upon a writ petition, stayed for three months the government order debarring Mohiuddin from functioning as Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation.
Transition to democracy from emergency rule
January 6, 2009
The country’s transition to democracy from undemocratic Emergency Rule is set to be completed as President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed Monday invited Leader of Parliament and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina for taking oath as the Prime Minister of the county at Bangabhaban today (Tuesday).
Wait for the tall building to fall apart
January 6, 2009
Although the caretaker government is removing different kinds of makeshift and permanent structures from Hatirjheel-Begunbari project area one after another, there has been no decision on the 15-storey BGMEA building. The authorities on December 20 last removed a filling station, a portion of a multi-storey private building and some makeshift slum structures. Removal of the BGMEA building is a matter lying with the top-level authorities, said Md Shah Alam, chief engineer of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk).
New Govt takes oath on Jan 6
January 5, 2009
Selection of Cabinet members by the Awami League-led grand alliance is at the final stage. According to AL sources, the forthcoming cabinet is likely to be of 45 members - 30 full-placed ministers and 15 others as state and deputy ministers. Details, however, could not be known immediately. Cabinet members of the victorious AL-led grand combine which bagged majority of the seats in the 9th parliamentary election will take oath at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 6:30pm tomorrow (Tuesday). Outgoing President Iajuddin Ahmed will administer oath.
Rajuk yet to finalise DAP for Dhakacity
January 5, 2009
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha has failed to finalise the capital city’s detailed area plan on schedule and proposed the ministry extend the deadline for another three or six months. Missing the deadline for the third time, the city development authorities had fixed December 30, 2008 to finalise the detailed area plan, known as DAP, but in the face of protest and criticism from urban experts, town planners and green activists, the authorities gave up the decision to issue the gazette finalising the draft DAP.
The responsibility of government
January 5, 2009
For Bangladeshis the new year of 2009 starts with a bang. We have had our elections and we have voted our candidates to parliament. Almost the entire nation has voted for change and for AL providing it with an electoral victory unprecedented in its scope and extent. If there is any explanation, it is that people want changes, perhaps even decisive, revolutionary changes for the better and that the AL has somehow tapped into this urge for change.
Moments in history!
January 4, 2009
IN my world, life is simpler. My demands are less and so are my expectations. If I can put rice and some lentil before my family everyday, I will say I am thriving. But this year, this simple act was not simple enough.” Aroj Ali, a rickshawpuller in his mid forties shared his thoughts on the year that was, while manoeuvring through the empty streets at the dead of the night.
Spurious liquor factory found in city
January 4, 2009
Police yesterday unearthed a spurious liquor factory and seized 408 cans of bears at Pallabi in the city. Acting on a tip off, Pallabi police raided a house at about 4pm and seized 408 cans of spurious bear produced in the clandestine factory. Materials of spurious wine making were also seized.
One mandate, two choices
January 3, 2009
Never in the history of free Bangladesh have credible multi-party general elections produced such lopsided a victory. With all due respect to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, her comments about the elections being farcical are reminiscent of the sour grapes mentality that has been such a bane in the political culture of Bangladesh. She should act in an introspective, mature, and gracious manner, as behooves the persona of a former (and perhaps future) head of government.